Final answer:
The nurse's findings of MS B's pulse and blood pressure are objective data. Pulse pressure is calculated by subtracting diastolic from systolic pressure and mean arterial pressure is approximated by adding a third of the pulse pressure to the diastolic pressure. These measures provide important insights into a patient's cardiovascular health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The data noting MS B's pulse rate being 68 bpm (beats per minute) and blood pressure (BP) being 128/72 mm Hg is objective data. These are measurable signs that can be quantified and observed without bias, typically through the use of medical equipment like a blood pressure cuff and a pulse meter. Objective data is crucial in healthcare because it allows healthcare providers to make accurate assessments of a patient's health status.
When measuring blood pressure, we record it as systolic/diastolic. A pressure reading of 130/85 mm Hg means the systolic pressure is 130 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is 85 mm Hg. To calculate pulse pressure, you subtract the diastolic pressure from the systolic pressure (130 - 85 = 45 mm Hg). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) can be approximated by adding one third of the pulse pressure to the diastolic pressure [MAP ≈ diastolic pressure + (pulse pressure/3)], which in this case would be 85 + (45/3) equaling approximately 100 mm Hg.
Pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure are important indicators of cardiovascular health. A pulse pressure in the range of 30-50 mm Hg is typically considered normal. However, a persistently high pulse pressure may indicate health issues such as heart disease. For mean arterial pressure, the normal range is about 70-110 mm Hg. A MAP lower than this range could suggest hypotension, while a higher MAP may indicate hypertension.