ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7English and Language UsageEasy
A medical assistant is documenting a patient's vital signs. The patient's blood pressure reading is 128/84 mmHg. Which of the following terms correctly describes this blood pressure reading?
- AHypertension Stage 2
- BHypertension Stage 1
- CHypotension
- DPrehypertension
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Prehypertension
Prehypertension is defined by a systolic pressure between 120-129 mmHg and a diastolic pressure less than 80 mmHg, or a systolic pressure less than 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure between 80-89 mmHg. The given reading of 128/84 mmHg falls within this category, as the systolic pressure is elevated while the diastolic is also slightly elevated.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Hypertension Stage 2 is diagnosed when systolic pressure is 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic pressure is 90 mmHg or higher.
- B. Hypertension Stage 1 is diagnosed when systolic pressure is 130-139 mmHg or diastolic pressure is 80-89 mmHg.
- C. Hypotension is typically defined as blood pressure below 90/60 mmHg.
Blood Pressure Classification
Categorization of blood pressure readings into normal, elevated, or hypertensive stages based on systolic and diastolic measurements.
- Normal: <120/<80 mmHg
- Elevated (Prehypertension): 120-129/<80 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 1: 130-139 or 80-89 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 2: >=140 or >=90 mmHg
Memory trick: Normal Elevated, then Stages One and Two, know your BP or you'll feel blue!