A client with a blood pressure of 165/95 mm Hg would be classified in which stage of hypertension?

The classification of hypertension is based on the American Heart Association guidelines, which categorize blood pressure readings into several stages. A blood pressure reading of 165/95 mm Hg falls into the range defined for Stage 2 hypertension.

Stage 2 hypertension is characterized by systolic readings of 140 mm Hg or greater and diastolic readings of 90 mm Hg or greater. This particular reading exceeds both thresholds, indicating a more severe level of hypertension that often necessitates more intensive treatment and lifestyle modifications to manage blood pressure effectively.

In contrast, Stage 1 hypertension would apply to systolic readings from 130 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic readings from 80 to 89 mm Hg. Prehypertension is identified in readings from 120 to 129 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic, while normotensive individuals have blood pressure below these ranges, specifically systolic readings below 120 mm Hg and diastolic readings below 80 mm Hg. Hence, the appropriate classification for a client with a blood pressure of 165/95 mm Hg is indeed Stage 2 hypertension.