Your patient has a blood pressure reading of 175 mm Hg systolic and 99 mm Hg diastolic. What should you do next?

Reporting the reading to your supervisor is a crucial step in managing a patient with elevated blood pressure. Systolic readings at or above 175 mm Hg can indicate potential hypertension crises or complications, which may require immediate attention or intervention from a healthcare professional. By calmly reporting this significant finding, the care team can assess the patient's overall status and determine the appropriate course of action, whether that involves further evaluation, potential adjustments in treatment, or emergency interventions.

Monitoring for symptoms is important, but initial reporting ensures that the situation is assessed with the necessary expertise. Waiting an hour to recheck the blood pressure without reporting first could delay essential care, and administering medication immediately may not be appropriate without proper guidance from a supervisor or physician. Hence, promptly communicating critical findings is key to effective patient management in such scenarios.