A patient's blood pressure reading is 142/91 mm Hg. How should the nurse classify this BP reading?

The classification of blood pressure readings is based on the guidelines provided by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. A blood pressure reading of 142/91 mm Hg falls within the range designated for hypertension stage 1, which is categorized as being between 130-139 mm Hg for systolic pressure or 80-89 mm Hg for diastolic pressure.

In this case, the systolic measurement of 142 mm Hg and the diastolic measurement of 91 mm Hg clearly place the patient in the stage 1 hypertension category. This classification is important because it guides treatment decisions and lifestyle changes that may be necessary to manage the patient's blood pressure effectively. Recognizing this reading as hypertension stage 1 can prompt appropriate follow-up and intervention to prevent progression to more severe hypertension and related health complications.

Understanding blood pressure categories is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure accurate diagnosis and management of hypertension, helping to improve patient outcomes.