A patient has three separate blood pressure (BP) readings of 120/100, 138/92 mm Hg, and 126/96 mm Hg. Which category describes this pattern of BP?
Normal
Isolated systolic hypertension
Hypertension
Prehypertension
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Normal BP is below 120/80 mm Hg. These readings, with diastolic consistently above 90 mm Hg, indicate hypertension, not normal BP, so this is incorrect.
Choice B reason: Isolated systolic hypertension involves systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg with diastolic <80 mm Hg. High diastolic readings rule this out, so this is incorrect for the pattern.
Choice C reason: BP readings above 130/80 mm Hg, especially with diastolic ≥90 mm Hg, classify as hypertension (Stage 2). This matches the patient’s pattern, making it the correct category.
Choice D reason: Prehypertension is 120–129/<80 mm Hg. These readings exceed this with high diastolic values, indicating hypertension, so this is incorrect for the BP pattern.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L). While furosemide can cause hyponatremia, this value is not concerning. Hypokalemia is a greater risk with furosemide and digoxin, as it potentiates digoxin toxicity, making this choice less critical than potassium.
Choice B reason: Oxygen saturation of 95% is normal (95-100%). Crackles suggest pulmonary edema, but this saturation doesn’t indicate severe hypoxia requiring immediate action. Hypokalemia poses a greater risk with digoxin and furosemide, as it increases toxicity potential, making this choice less concerning.
Choice C reason: A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L (normal: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) indicates hypokalemia, exacerbated by furosemide’s diuretic effect. In digoxin use, low potassium increases cardiac toxicity risk, causing arrhythmias, especially with an irregular heart rate noted, making this the most concerning value requiring immediate attention.
Choice D reason: A blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is normal (70-110 mg/dL fasting). It’s unrelated to digoxin or furosemide’s primary risks (e.g., electrolyte imbalances, arrhythmias). Hypokalemia is a more immediate concern due to its synergistic toxicity with digoxin, making this choice less critical.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, reduces intracranial pressure by drawing fluid from brain tissue into the bloodstream. This is its primary use in head injuries, making it correct.
Choice B reason: Mannitol is not primarily for peripheral edema; it targets cerebral edema. Furosemide is used for peripheral fluid, so this is incorrect for mannitol’s purpose.
Choice C reason: Mannitol removes fluid, not restores it. extracellular fluid, aiming to reduce brain swelling. Restoring fluid is opposite its effect, so this is incorrect.
Choice D reason: Mannitol increases renal perfusion by promoting diuresis, not reducing it. Its main goal is intracranial pressure reduction, so this is incorrect.
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