Medical Emergencies · single question
A patient has a BP of 146/90. What is the hypertension category?
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Correct answer: D. Stage 2 hypertension
- A. Stage 1 HTN is 130-139/80-89. A BP of 146/90 exceeds Stage 1 thresholds — it is Stage 2.
- B. Normal BP is <120/<80. This patient clearly has hypertension at 146/90.
- C. Elevated blood pressure = systolic 120-129 with diastolic <80. This patient's 146/90 clearly exceeds this category.
- D. Per the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guidelines: Stage 1 HTN = systolic 130-139 OR diastolic 80-89. Stage 2 HTN = systolic ≥140 OR diastolic ≥90. A BP of 146/90 qualifies as STAGE 2 HYPERTENSION (systolic ≥140). Note: the source calls this 'Type 2' — standard classification uses 'Stage 2.'
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