NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam 2025 – Comprehensive All-In-One Study Guide for Success!

The answer indicating that blood pressure should be retaken after 5 minutes is appropriate based on standard nursing protocols for managing abnormal blood pressure readings, particularly when symptoms like headache, flushing, or dizziness are present.

In clinical practice, if a patient displays signs of potential hypertension (high blood pressure) along with concerning symptoms, it is crucial to monitor the blood pressure more frequently to assess for any changes. A 5-minute interval is generally recommended as it allows enough time for any acute changes in blood pressure to occur while also ensuring that the patient is stable enough to avoid unnecessary anxiety or risk of further complications.

This interval strikes a balance between being timely enough to capture any rapid changes in the patient's condition, while also providing enough time for the body to respond or recover. If readings remain abnormal or if symptoms worsen, then the healthcare provider may decide on further interventions or seek additional medical attention.

Other timing options such as 1 minute, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes may not provide the optimal responsiveness needed in acute situations. Taking blood pressure at 1 minute may lead to unnecessary stress for the patient and could result in inaccuracies due to the transient nature of blood pressure. Conversely, waiting longer than 5 minutes might delay appropriate intervention if the patient's condition