CNA Certification (Written Exam)Basic Nursing SkillsMedium
A nurse aide is recording a resident's blood pressure. The reading is 138/88 mmHg. How should the nurse aide interpret this reading?
- AThis reading is elevated and should be reported to the nurse.
- BThis is a normal blood pressure reading.
- CThis reading suggests a medical emergency requiring immediate action.
- DThis reading indicates hypotension.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. This reading is elevated and should be reported to the nurse.
A blood pressure reading of 138/88 mmHg falls into the 'elevated' or 'stage 1 hypertension' category according to current guidelines (normal is typically below 120/80 mmHg). While not an emergency, it is outside the normal range and should be reported to the nurse for assessment.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Normal blood pressure is typically below 120/80 mmHg.
- C. While elevated, it's not typically considered an immediate medical emergency unless accompanied by severe symptoms or much higher readings.
- D. Hypotension is low blood pressure, usually below 90/60 mmHg.
Elevated Blood Pressure
Blood pressure readings consistently above 120/80 mmHg but below 140/90 mmHg are considered elevated or Stage 1 hypertension.
- Normal: <120/80 mmHg.
- Elevated: 120-129/<80 mmHg.
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139/80-89 mmHg.
- Requires reporting to the nurse.
Memory trick: Normal's Low, Elevated's Up, Crisis is High.