HESI Med Surg Hematological system Related

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The nurse notes that there is a difference in a patient's blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) when the patient changes position from supine to standing. The differences are a decrease of 20 mm Hg in systolic BP, a decrease of 10 mm Hg in diastolic BP, and an increase in the HR of 20 beats/minute. Which interpretation would the nurse make about the patient's condition?

  • A. Hypertensive crisis.
  • B. An auscultatory gap.
  • C. Resistant hypertension.
  • D. Enlarged lymph nodes.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The described changes suggest an auscultatory gap, a phenomenon during BP measurement that can lead to inaccurate readings, requiring careful technique.