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NCLEX · General

A client has a blood pressure reading of 138/88 mmHg. How should the LPN classify this finding?

Correct answer

Elevated (previously 'prehypertension') — systolic 120-129 and diastolic <80; or Stage 1 hypertension — systolic 130-139 OR diastolic 80-89

  1. A Normal
  2. B Elevated (previously 'prehypertension') — systolic 120-129 and diastolic <80; or Stage 1 hypertension — systolic 130-139 OR diastolic 80-89
  3. C Stage 2 hypertension
  4. D Hypertensive crisis

Why this is the answer

ACC/AHA 2017 BLOOD PRESSURE CATEGORIES: Normal: <120/<80; Elevated: 120-129/<80; Stage 1 HTN: 130-139 OR 80-89; Stage 2 HTN: ≥140 OR ≥90; Hypertensive Crisis: >180/>120. 138/88 = Stage 1 hypertension (systolic 130-139, diastolic 80-89). NURSING IMPLICATIONS: Report to RN/provider; reinforce lifestyle modifications (DASH diet, sodium restriction <2.3g/day, 150 min/week moderate exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation); medication may be initiated depending on cardiovascular risk; repeat measurements to confirm; document. Stage 1 HTN with low cardiovascular risk may be managed with lifestyle changes alone initially.
Source: NCLEX-PN HP — Cardiovascular Prevention, Blood Pressure Classification

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