Question

CRITICAL THINKING:

When Robert Powell brings in his very tall 6‑year‑old son, Allen, for an office visit, he says he’s concerned because Allen’s blood pressure recently read in the “high” range when it was measured at a local pharmacy. His wife assures him that their son’s blood pressure is fine, based on past measurements at his yearly physical exams. Robert wants to know if Allen does indeed receive regular blood pressure tests and if he can be rechecked today. What should you tell Robert?

Answer 1

Robert is obviously very concerned with his son Allen's health and especially his "high" blood pressure that he observed. We should tell Robert that based on previous blood pressure measurement, where Allen did not report any history of high bloood pressure. The "high' blood pressure observed at pharmacy was informal and maybe Allen was scared or anxious and this might be the reason for a higher blood pressure reading. Also, the blood pressure equipment at local pharmacy need to be checked for calibration ans validation and sometimes erroneous results are possible. We can assure based on Allen's medical history suggest to have a regular physician checked blood pressure again and seek appropriate help and not panic ornbe overly concerbed over one single isolated incidence of "high" blood presure of his son. The blood pressure can indeed be rechecked but it has to be checked with a professional physician and appropriate sphygmomanometer and then only draw any conclusion on the health of his child.