Colorado CNA Practice Exam

What condition is indicated by an elevated systolic and normal diastolic blood pressure reading?

1. Pre-hypertension

2. Orthostatic hypotension

3. Isolated systolic hypertension

4. Primary hypertension

The correct answer is: Pre-hypertension

The condition indicated by an elevated systolic and normal diastolic blood pressure reading is isolated systolic hypertension. This condition occurs when the systolic blood pressure is above normal (typically over 130 mm Hg), while the diastolic blood pressure remains within a normal range (usually under 80 mm Hg). Isolated systolic hypertension is particularly common in older adults and can be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, even when diastolic pressure is normal. It is essential for healthcare providers to identify this condition because it might require specific management and monitoring to reduce the risk of complications. The other options represent different scenarios. Pre-hypertension refers to a category before fully developed hypertension, where both systolic and diastolic pressures may be elevated but not to the levels seen in hypertension. Orthostatic hypotension involves a drop in blood pressure when standing up, characterized by low readings rather than elevated systolic blood pressure. Primary hypertension is a more generalized condition characterized by consistently high readings in both systolic and diastolic measurements.