New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

If you palpate a strong radial pulse of 100 in a trauma patient, what should you do with a blood pressure reading of 68/32?

1. Suspect the accuracy and reevaluate it

2. Accept the reading as accurate

3. Retake BP reading in 15 minutes

4. Treat patient for hypertension immediately

The correct answer is: Suspect the accuracy and reevaluate it

In a trauma patient, the presence of a strong radial pulse with a heart rate of 100 beats per minute alongside a low blood pressure reading of 68/32 suggests a concerning situation. Normally, one would expect a stronger pulse to be associated with a higher blood pressure, making this scenario atypical. Palpating a strong radial pulse indicates that there is some degree of perfusion; however, the significant discrepancy with such a low blood pressure raises questions about the accuracy of the reading. Factors such as patient movement, improper cuff size, or physiological changes related to the trauma could affect the blood pressure measurement. In this context, reevaluating the blood pressure reading is essential. It is critical to ensure that the assessment reflects the patient's true hemodynamic status, particularly because a persistently low blood pressure could indicate significant blood loss, shock, or other critical conditions. Therefore, suspecting inaccuracy and reevaluating allows for proper decision-making in the management of the trauma patient.