Vital Signs Assessment Related

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An adult blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg is:

  • A. Prehypertension
  • B. Hypotensive
  • C. Normal
  • D. Hypertensive
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal according to widely accepted medical guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association. The systolic pressure (120 mm Hg) represents the force when the heart contracts, and the diastolic pressure (80 mm Hg) reflects the pressure when the heart is at rest. Normal blood pressure is typically defined as systolic less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic less than 80 mm Hg, making Normal, correct. Prehypertension, applies to readings like 120-129/<80 mm Hg, but 120/80 exceeds this slightly yet remains within normal limits in many contexts. Hypotensive, indicates low blood pressure (e.g., below 90/60 mm Hg), which 120/80 clearly is not. Hypertensive, refers to high blood pressure (e.g., 130/80 mm Hg or higher), which this reading does not meet. Therefore, C is the accurate answer based on standard classifications.