If a patient with hypertension has a blood pressure reading of 159/100 mm Hg, what classification does this fall under?

A blood pressure reading of 159/100 mm Hg falls under the classification of Stage 2 Hypertension. This classification is indicated by systolic readings between 140-159 mm Hg or diastolic readings between 100-109 mm Hg.

In this case, the systolic pressure of 159 mm Hg exceeds the threshold for Stage 1 Hypertension, which ranges from 130-139 mm Hg for systolic readings. Additionally, the diastolic pressure of 100 mm Hg clearly places it within the Stage 2 criteria.

Understanding these categories is crucial for nurses and healthcare providers as they guide treatment decisions, lifestyle modifications, and patient education on managing hypertension effectively. Recognizing Stage 2 Hypertension indicates a more urgent need for intervention compared to lower classifications, which often require careful monitoring or less aggressive treatment approaches.