Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) AMCA Practice Exam

How is hypotension defined?

1. Systolic Pressure below 100mmHg and Diastolic Pressure below 70mmHg

2. Systolic Pressure below 90mmHg and Diastolic Pressure below 60mmHg

3. Blood pressure readings lower than 120/80mmHg

4. Diastolic Pressure below 60mmHg only

The correct answer is: Systolic Pressure below 90mmHg and Diastolic Pressure below 60mmHg

Hypotension, or low blood pressure, is typically defined by blood pressure readings that are significantly lower than the normal range. The correct definition involves a systolic pressure below 90 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 60 mmHg. These thresholds are important because they indicate levels of blood pressure that can lead to inadequate blood flow to organs, increasing the risk of symptoms like dizziness, fainting, and shock. The choice mentioning systolic pressure below 100 mmHg and diastolic pressure below 70 mmHg does not accurately capture the widely accepted clinical standards for diagnosing hypotension, as these values could still be considered within a lower normal range for some individuals. The third choice refers to blood pressure readings lower than 120/80 mmHg, which is the threshold for normal and elevated blood pressure but does not specifically indicate hypotension. Similarly, the final choice only considers diastolic pressure, neglecting the significance of the systolic reading, which is essential in the diagnosis of hypotension.