Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam

Stage 1 hypertension is defined by blood pressure readings that fall within the range of 140-159 mmHg for systolic pressure and 90-99 mmHg for diastolic pressure. This classification is important because it helps healthcare providers identify individuals who may be at increased risk for cardiovascular events and establish appropriate management strategies.

Understanding blood pressure categories is crucial for effective assessment and intervention. The ranges for normal and elevated blood pressures help in classifying patients and determining the urgency of treatment. For instance, a reading lower than 120/80 mmHg is considered normal, while a reading between 120-139 mmHg systolic and 80-89 mmHg diastolic indicates elevated blood pressure, but not yet hypertension. Recognizing these categories allows for proper monitoring and preventative strategies before a more serious condition progresses, underscoring the critical nature of identifying stage 1 hypertension in patient care.