A group of student nurses are practicing taking blood pressure. A 56-year-old male student has a blood pressure reading of 146/96 mm Hg. Upon hearing the reading, he exclaims, 'My pressure has never been this high. Do you think my doctor will prescribe medication to reduce it?' Which of the following responses by the nursing instructor would be best?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypertension is confirmed by two or more readings with systolic pressure of at least 140 mm Hg and diastolic pressure of at least 90 mm Hg. An age of 56 does not constitute a risk factor in and of itself. The nurse should not tell the student that there is no need to worry.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Sodium (Na+) concentration is nearly equal in CSF and plasma.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sounds of Korotkoff occur when turbulent flow develops as the cuff pressure decreases.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Electrocardiograms display the heart's electrical activity and rhythm using electrodes placed on the skin.