According to the JNC’s seventh report, a BP reading of 144/96 would be considered ______.
Normal
Prehypertension
Stage 1 hypertension
Stage 2 hypertension
The Correct Answer is C
The Joint National Committee (JNC 7) report provides evidence-based guidelines for the classification and management of blood pressure (BP) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Rationale for correct answer:
C. Stage 1 Hypertension: Stage 1 hypertension is defined as: Systolic 140–159 mmHg or Diastolic 90–99 mmHg.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Normal: According to JNC 7, normal BP is defined as less than 120/80 mmHg.
B. Prehypertension is defined as: Systolic 120–139 mmHg or Diastolic 80–89 mmHg.
D. Stage 2 Hypertension is defined as: Systolic ≥160 mmHg or Diastolic ≥100 mmHg.
Take-home points:
- According to JNC 7, Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as a systolic BP of 140–159 mmHg or diastolic of 90–99 mmHg.
- When systolic and diastolic values fall into different categories, the higher stage should determine the classification.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","E"]
Explanation
A difference in blood pressure readings between arms can be a normal variation (up to 10 mm Hg) or a sign of vascular disease such as subclavian artery stenosis, aortic dissection, or peripheral arterial disease.
Rationale for correct answers:
B. Repeat the measurements on both arms using a stethoscope: The AP may have used an automated cuff, which can be less accurate in obese patients or those with arrhythmias.
E. Review the patient’s record for her baseline vital signs: Comparing with previous BP readings helps determine whether the difference is new, worsening, or chronic.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Notify the health care provider immediately: A 12 mm Hg systolic difference may warrant further evaluation if persistent, but notifying the provider immediately is premature.
C. Ask the patient whether she has taken her blood pressure medications recently: BP medication doesn’t cause a discrepancy between the two limbs.
D. Obtain blood pressure measurements on lower extremities: Lower extremity BP may be needed if there is suspicion of aortic coarctation or severe vascular disease, but this is not routinely indicated for a 12 mm Hg arm difference.
Take-home points:
- A systolic BP difference of >10 mm Hg between arms should be manually verified and assessed in context of clinical history and baseline.
- Nurses must take a stepwise approach-recheck manually, gather history, review baseline-before escalating to a provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The Joint National Committee (JNC 7) report provides evidence-based guidelines for the classification and management of blood pressure (BP) to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Rationale for correct answer:
C. Stage 1 Hypertension: Stage 1 hypertension is defined as: Systolic 140–159 mmHg or Diastolic 90–99 mmHg.
Rationale for incorrect answers:
A. Normal: According to JNC 7, normal BP is defined as less than 120/80 mmHg.
B. Prehypertension is defined as: Systolic 120–139 mmHg or Diastolic 80–89 mmHg.
D. Stage 2 Hypertension is defined as: Systolic ≥160 mmHg or Diastolic ≥100 mmHg.
Take-home points:
- According to JNC 7, Stage 1 Hypertension is defined as a systolic BP of 140–159 mmHg or diastolic of 90–99 mmHg.
- When systolic and diastolic values fall into different categories, the higher stage should determine the classification.
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