The patient's blood pressure is 152/92 but the primary health care provider does not diagnose the patient with hypertension. What is the rationale for this decision?
The patient's blood pressure must remain elevated during several separate assessments in order to make a diagnosis of hypertension.
The patient appeared extremely stressed and the health care provider decided not to inform the patient of the diagnosis at that appointment.
The patient's primary health care provider must consult with a cardiologist in order to make a diagnosis of hypertension
The patient's blood pressure must be at least 180/100 during a single assessment in order for a diagnosis of hypertension to be made.
The Correct Answer is A
A. The patient's blood pressure must remain elevated during several separate assessments in order to make a diagnosis of hypertension. Hypertension is diagnosed based on persistently elevated blood pressure readings across multiple visits, rather than a single elevated measurement.
B. The patient appeared extremely stressed and the health care provider decided not to inform the patient of the diagnosis at that appointment. While stress can temporarily elevate blood pressure, a diagnosis should be based on multiple readings rather than withholding information from the patient.
C. The patient's primary health care provider must consult with a cardiologist in order to make a diagnosis of hypertension. A cardiology consult is not required to diagnose hypertension; primary care providers can diagnose and manage hypertension independently.
D. The patient's blood pressure must be at least 180/100 during a single assessment in order for a diagnosis of hypertension to be made. A reading of 180/100 mmHg indicates hypertensive crisis, but hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is consistently ≥140/90 mmHg on multiple occasions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Inform the patient's health care provider immediately to obtain an order for antihypertensive medications. While notifying the provider may be necessary, the nurse must first confirm the accuracy of the blood pressure reading before taking further action.
B. Instruct the nursing assistant to take the patient's blood pressure again and inform the nurse of the results immediately. Nursing assistants can take blood pressure readings, but the nurse should personally verify a critically high reading using a manual method.
C. Take the patient's blood pressure manually with a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Electronic monitors can sometimes give false readings, especially in patients with irregular heartbeats or movement. Manually verifying ensures an accurate assessment before determining further action.
D. Perform a neurological assessment to determine if the patient is stressed, in pain, or having a stroke. A neurological assessment is important if the elevated BP is confirmed, but the first priority is verifying the reading manually.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Carotid. The carotid arteries supply blood to the brain, and compressing both simultaneously can reduce cerebral blood flow, potentially causing dizziness, syncope, or loss of consciousness. Therefore, carotid pulses should be assessed one at a time.
B. Radial. The radial pulse can be safely assessed bilaterally at the same time since it does not affect central circulation or brain perfusion.
C. Brachial. The brachial pulse can also be assessed bilaterally without risk, as it does not impact blood flow to critical organs like the brain.
D. Femoral. The femoral pulse can be checked simultaneously on both sides to assess circulation and perfusion, especially in cases of suspected arterial insufficiency.
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