An 84-year-old client with diabetes is admitted for insulin regulation

An 84-year-old client with diabetes is admitted for insulin regulation. Which of the following blood pressure, pulse, and respiration measurements, respectively, is considered to be within the expected limits for a client of this age?

1. BP = 138/88 mm Hg, P = 68 beats/min, R = 16 breaths/min
2. BP = 104/52 mm Hg, P = 68 beats/min, R = 30 breaths/min
3. BP = 108/80 mm Hg, P = 112 beats/min, R = 15 breaths/min
4. BP = 132/74 mm Hg, P = 90 beats/min, R = 24 breaths/min

ANSWER

ANS: 1
These measurements are within the expected limits for an older client. An adult’s average blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. The systolic pressure may increase with age, but the blood pressure should not exceed 140/90 mm Hg. The range for an adult’s pulse is 60-100 beats/min. The ex-pected respiratory rate is 16-25 breaths/min. BP = 104/52 mm Hg, P = 68 beats/min, R = 30 breaths/min; BP = 108/80 mm Hg, P = 112 beats/min, R = 15 breaths/min; and BP = 132/74 mm Hg, P = 90 beats/min, R = 24 breaths/min are not within the expected limits for a client of this age.