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NORCET-11 Prelims
Applied Physiology
Medium

A patient's recorded blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg. What is the calculated Mean Arterial Pressure?

Appeared in: NORCET-11 Prelims

Explanation

  • MAP is calculated as Diastolic BP plus one-third of Pulse Pressure.
  • Pulse Pressure = Systolic BP minus Diastolic BP = 60 mmHg.
  • One-third of 60 mmHg is 20 mmHg.
  • MAP = 90 + 20 = 110 mmHg.
  • MAP is a key indicator of tissue perfusion.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option A: 100 mmHg is too low for the given blood pressure. This value would result from a lower systolic or diastolic pressure.
  • Option C: 120 mmHg overestimates the MAP for this BP. It would require a higher diastolic or pulse pressure.
  • Option D: 130 mmHg is much higher than the calculated MAP for 150/90 mmHg. This value is not supported by the formula.

Related Visual

Stepwise calculation of MAP for BP 150/90 mmHg, showing subtraction for pulse pressure, division by three, and addition to diastolic.
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Calculation of Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) from given blood pressure to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
  • MAP is used in critical care to assess organ perfusion and guide interventions.
  • A MAP below 60 mmHg may indicate risk of organ hypoperfusion and requires urgent attention.
  • What if? If the diastolic pressure was lower, the MAP would decrease, potentially compromising organ perfusion.
How to Approach the Question
  • Identify the formula for MAP: Diastolic BP plus one-third of Pulse Pressure.
  • Calculate pulse pressure by subtracting diastolic from systolic.
  • Divide the pulse pressure by three.
  • Add this value to the diastolic pressure.
  • Match your calculated value to the closest option.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Calculation of Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) from given blood pressure
  • Stem keywords: blood pressure, 150/90 mmHg, Mean Arterial Pressure, calculation
  • Lead-in keywords: calculated, Mean Arterial Pressure
  • Clinical cues: BP 150/90 mmHg indicates hypertension; MAP is important for organ perfusion

Question ID

qN1yIc2VagJ8Y-imIibtZ

Reference Book

E6 Nursing Vital Signs p. 81-83

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