Calculate the pulse pressure from the below image of cardiac monitor:

Appeared in: AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Explanation

Pulse pressure is defined as the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
The standard formula is: Pulse Pressure = Systolic BP – Diastolic BP.
The cardiac monitor in the image displays a Non-Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) of 115/70 mmHg.
The systolic pressure (the higher value) is 115 mmHg, and the diastolic pressure (the lower value) is 70 mmHg.
Substituting these values into the formula gives: 115 mmHg - 70 mmHg = 45 mmHg.

Option A: This value is an incorrect result of the subtraction (115 - 70).
Option C: This value is an incorrect result of the subtraction (115 - 70).
Option D: Although a pulse pressure of 40 mmHg is considered normal, it is not the correct calculated value from the data provided in the image (115/70 mmHg).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Calculation of pulse pressure from a cardiac monitor as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses monitor pulse pressure as it provides important information about a patient's cardiovascular health, including stroke volume and arterial stiffness.
A normal pulse pressure in adults is between 30 and 50 mmHg. A consistently wide pulse pressure (greater than 60 mmHg) can be a predictor of heart attacks or other cardiovascular diseases.
A narrow pulse pressure (less than 25% of the systolic value) is a cause for concern as it can indicate poor heart function, such as in congestive heart failure or shock.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the question's objective: to calculate the pulse pressure.
Carefully examine the provided image of the cardiac monitor to locate the blood pressure reading.
Identify the systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) values from the NIBP reading, which is 115/70 mmHg.
Recall the standard formula for pulse pressure: Systolic Blood Pressure - Diastolic Blood Pressure.
Substitute the values into the formula: 115 - 70.
Perform the subtraction to get the result (45) and match it with the given options.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nursing Vital Signs pp. 81-83, 80-82

Practise the full AIIMS Delhi NO- 2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.