Question

for each of the following scenarios, circle the vital sign result that corresponds with the patient described. 1. dr. edison is concerned about his patient being in a hypertensive crisis. the patients blood pressure is 120/80, 146/90, 182/124. 2. susie thinks she has the flu. the nurse took her vital signs and told her she is afebrile. her temperature is 98.3°f, 102°f, 99.9°f. 3. after a basketball game, connor couldnt catch his breath and was rushed to the er and shows signs of tachypnea. his respiratory rate is 8 bpm, 32 bpm, 16 bpm. 4. john is relieved that he finally got his heart rate back to normal. his heart rate is 54 bpm, 72 bpm, 110 bpm. 5. candace fainted yesterday and is still dealing with some hypotension. her blood pressure is 112/72, 136/88, 88/62.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall normal vital - sign ranges

Normal blood pressure is typically less than 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is generally considered when systolic blood pressure is 140 mmHg or higher and/or diastolic blood pressure is 90 mmHg or higher. Normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), with a range of 97°F - 99°F considered normal. Normal resting heart rate for adults is 60 - 100 bpm, and normal respiratory rate is 12 - 20 bpm.

Step2: Analyze each scenario

Scenario 1

The patient's blood pressure of 182/124 mmHg is well above the normal range and indicates a hypertensive crisis.

Scenario 2

Temperatures of 98.3°F, 102°F, and 99.9°F are considered in the context of fever (100.4°F or higher is generally considered a fever). But the statement that the patient is afebrile is incorrect given 102°F. However, the main concern here is not the mis - classification of fever but the high blood pressure in scenario 1.

Scenario 3

Respiratory rates of 8 bpm (bradypnea), 32 bpm (tachypnea), and 16 bpm (normal) are presented. While abnormal respiratory rates are concerning, the hypertensive crisis in scenario 1 is more severe.

Scenario 4

Heart rates of 54 bpm (bradycardia), 72 bpm (normal), and 110 bpm (tachycardia) are shown. But again, the hypertensive crisis in scenario 1 is the most critical.

Scenario 5

Blood pressures of 112/72 mmHg (normal), 136/88 mmHg (pre - hypertension), and 88/62 mmHg (normal) are given. None are as severe as the hypertensive crisis in scenario 1.

Answer:

182/124 mmHg