ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7MathematicsMedium
A patient's blood pressure is measured at 118/76 mmHg. What is the patient's Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP), rounded to the nearest whole number?
- A97 mmHg
- B104 mmHg
- C80 mmHg
- D90 mmHg
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 90 mmHg
The formula for MAP is: Diastolic Pressure + 1/3 (Systolic Pressure - Diastolic Pressure). So, 76 + 1/3 (118 - 76) = 76 + 1/3 (42) = 76 + 14 = 90 mmHg.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is an overestimation, possibly from incorrect calculation or using 1/2 pulse pressure.
- B. This is an incorrect calculation; it might be an average or a misapplication of the formula.
- C. This is an underestimation, possibly from incorrect calculation of 1/3 pulse pressure.
Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)
The average arterial pressure during a single cardiac cycle, indicating the perfusion pressure seen by organs, calculated from systolic and diastolic pressures.
- Formula: Diastolic Pressure + 1/3 (Systolic Pressure - Diastolic Pressure).
- Represents average pressure in the arteries.
- Important indicator of organ perfusion.
Memory trick: Diastolic plus a third of the pulse pressure!