19
RCMultiple Choice

Death and Dying — Cumulative exam

Question 19 • Anatomy & Physiology B

Normal blood pressure is 120/80. Which best describes the blood pressure reading?

Answer
A
The systolic pressure is 120, and the diastolic pressure is 80.
B
The diastolic pressure is 120, and the systolic pressure is 80.
C
Systolic pressure is measured when the blood flow resumes as the cuff deflates, so systolic pressure is always the lower number.
D
Diastolic pressure is measured when the blood flow resumes as the cuff deflates, so diastolic pressure is always the lower number.

Explanation

In a blood pressure reading, the first (higher) number is systolic pressure, measured as the heart contracts. The second (lower) number is diastolic pressure, measured as the heart relaxes between beats. Therefore, 120/80 means the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

Previous
Next