Advanced Physical Assessment Exam 1 Practice

When measuring blood pressure in an anxious patient, the expected response is elevated systolic and diastolic readings. Anxiety triggers the body's stress response, which activates the sympathetic nervous system. This response can lead to an increase in heart rate and vasoconstriction, causing higher blood pressure readings. Patients experiencing anxiety may exhibit increased levels of cortisol and adrenaline, both of which can contribute to this physiological change.

In contrast, a normal blood pressure reading may suggest that the patient's anxiety has not significantly affected their physiological state at the moment of measurement, which is less likely given the common response to stress. Lower than average blood pressure readings generally indicate a relaxed state or possible medical conditions that are contrary to what is expected in an anxious individual. Inconsistent readings could occur, particularly if blood pressure is taken multiple times in a short period, but the consistent physiological response due to anxiety typically influences readings toward higher values rather than creating variability. Thus, elevated systolic and diastolic readings are most aligned with the expected response in anxious patients.