Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

Prehypertension is defined as a blood pressure range that indicates an increased risk for developing hypertension and cardiovascular diseases in the future. The range identified for prehypertension is specifically between 120-139 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 80-89 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. This classification serves as a warning that blood pressure levels are higher than normal but not yet in the hypertensive range, prompting both patients and healthcare providers to consider lifestyle modifications or preventive strategies.

Understanding this categorization is crucial in cardiac vascular nursing because it allows for early intervention and monitoring. Addressing blood pressure trends early can help in reducing the likelihood of progression to more severe hypertension, which significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The other ranges presented do not fit the definition of prehypertension; either they are classified as normal or indicate hypertensive stages, thus not serving the same preventive purpose that the correct answer provides.