Paramedic National Registry Practice

What is considered hypertension in pregnant females?

1. 120/80

2. 130/85

3. 140/90

4. 150/95

The correct answer is: 140/90

Hypertension in pregnant females is classified according to blood pressure readings during pregnancy. The definitions for elevated blood pressure levels have been established based on research and consensus from obstetric and medical organizations. Specifically, gestational hypertension is typically defined as a blood pressure reading at or above 140/90 mmHg. This threshold is significant because it helps to identify individuals at risk for complications such as preeclampsia and eclampsia, both of which can have serious implications for both the mother and the fetus. When examining the options, a reading of 140/90 meets the criteria for hypertension as it falls within the established range that indicates a potential risk for pregnant females. Values lower than this, such as 120/80 and 130/85, are considered normal or borderline elevated, while a reading of 150/95 would also be categorized as hypertension but is more severe than the threshold of 140/90. However, in this scenario, 140/90 serves as the definitive classification point for identifying hypertension in a pregnant female.