The nurse is caring for a group of patients. Which patient is the priority?
A patient with a BP of 170/80 mm Hg with a mild headache
A patient with a BP of 180/120 mm Hg who is asymptomatic
A patient with a BP of 150/60 mm Hg who is anxious
A patient with a blood pressure (BP) of 140/70 mm Hg who has a nosebleed
The Correct Answer is B
A. A patient with a BP of 170/80 mm Hg with a mild headache: Although high, this BP is not as immediately critical as 180/120 mm Hg. The patient is experiencing only a mild headache, indicating less urgency.
B. A patient with a BP of 180/120 mm Hg who is asymptomatic: This BP level indicates a hypertensive crisis, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as stroke or heart attack, even if the patient is asymptomatic. Immediate intervention is needed to lower the BP safely.
C. A patient with a BP of 150/60 mm Hg who is anxious: This BP is elevated but not critically so. Anxiety management may be necessary but is not as urgent as managing a hypertensive crisis.
D. A patient with a blood pressure (BP) of 140/70 mm Hg who has a nosebleed: This BP is relatively mild compared to 180/120 mm Hg and is less immediately threatening, even with a nosebleed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The amount of pressure exerted by the veins and arteries on the heart.: This is not accurate. Blood pressure specifically measures the force exerted by blood on the walls of arteries, not veins, and not the pressure they exert on the heart.
B. The amount of blood volume within the blood vessels.: This is incorrect. Blood pressure is related to blood volume, but it specifically measures the force against the arterial walls.
C. The amount of resistance within the veins during heart contraction.: Blood pressure refers to arterial pressure, not venous resistance.
D. The amount of force being placed on arteries by blood.: This is correct. Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood through the circulatory system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. “Take off work for the rest of the day to rest at home.": This advice is not adequate for such a high blood pressure reading, which indicates a hypertensive crisis that requires immediate medical intervention.
B. "Return to work and have your blood pressure rechecked in 2 days.": This is inappropriate as it delays necessary urgent medical evaluation and treatment.
C. "Take two doses of blood pressure medication right now.": Without medical supervision, this could be dangerous and is not appropriate in an emergency situation where the blood pressure is critically high.
D. "Sit quietly while we call 911 to request an ambulance.": A blood pressure of 220/120 mm Hg suggests a hypertensive emergency, which can lead to life-threatening complications like stroke or heart attack. The patient needs immediate medical attention, and calling 911 is the appropriate response.
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