What diagnosis should a nurse document for a client with repeated elevated blood pressure readings?

When a client has repeated elevated blood pressure readings, the most appropriate diagnosis to document is hypertension. Hypertension is characterized by consistently high blood pressure levels, typically defined as readings at or above 130/80 mmHg according to current guidelines.

Repeated elevations in blood pressure, rather than isolated incidents, indicate a potential chronic condition that may need management. This diagnosis is essential because untreated hypertension can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Continuous monitoring and further assessment is often warranted to determine the severity and underlying causes, ensuring appropriate treatment plans can be initiated.

In contrast, normal blood pressure refers to readings that fall within the optimal range, which is not applicable here. Prehypertension is used to describe readings that are elevated but not yet at the hypertension threshold, signaling a risk rather than a diagnosis. Hypotension denotes low blood pressure and does not relate to elevated readings.

Thus, documenting hypertension aligns with the clinical observations of repeated elevated readings and informs necessary health interventions.