The nurse measures the BP of a 78-year-old patient and finds it to be 168/86 mm Hg in both arms. The nurse will plan to teach the patient that

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although an increase in systolic BP (SBP) is a common finding in older adults, the recommendations for treating elevated BP are unchanged. An SBP of >140 mm Hg is a more important cardiovascular risk factor than diastolic BP (DBP) in individuals older than 50. The diagnosis of prehypertension indicates a systolic BP between 120 and 139 and a DBP between 80 and 89. Kidney and heart disease are common complications of hypertension, but there are no data to support these as diagnoses for this patient.

The Nurse Measures the BP of a 78-Year-Old Patient and Finds