Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is the normal range for adult blood pressure levels?

1. 60-90 mmHg

2. 100-140 mmHg

3. 80-120 mmHg

4. 120-160 mmHg

The correct answer is: 80-120 mmHg

The normal range for adult blood pressure levels is typically defined as being within 80 to 120 mmHg for systolic and diastolic pressures. This range indicates that the heart is effectively pumping blood while the arteries are maintaining adequate pressure, ensuring that all body tissues receive the blood they need without excessive strain on the cardiovascular system. A systolic pressure below 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg are considered normal and healthy, often referred to as "optimal" blood pressure. To put this into context, the other ranges provided do not fit the commonly accepted definitions of normal blood pressure. For instance, a range of 60-90 mmHg is markedly lower than what is typically considered normal and may indicate hypotension, which can lead to insufficient blood flow to organs. The range of 100-140 mmHg would generally include some values that are considered elevated, depending on the systolic and diastolic readings. Lastly, the 120-160 mmHg range may include some readings that could classify as prehypertension or hypertension, especially when systolic readings reach close to or over 130 mmHg, which indicates an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Thus, the choice of 80-120 mmHg