The systolic blood pressure of a 4-year-old female is 86 mmHg. Her mother is concerned because last year at the pediatrician's office the systolic blood pressure was 72 mmHg and now it is higher. How would you respond?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Blood pressure naturally increases as children grow and develop. A systolic blood pressure of 86 mmHg is within a normal range for a 4-year-old female. It is important to monitor blood pressure over time, but this increase is likely a healthy part of her growth and development. Options A and D suggest that an increased blood pressure is abnormal or indicative of illness, which is not necessarily true in this case. Option B is partially correct in that heart rate will also increase as children grow, but it does not fully address the mother's concern about the blood pressure increase.

The Systolic Blood Pressure of a 4-Year-Old Female Is 86