A patient with suspected dengue has a blood pressure of 100/86 mmHg, pulse 118 beats per minute, cool skin and increasing weakness. Which action is most appropriate?

Correct answer: C. Report possible circulatory compromise immediately

  • A. Encourage the patient to walk to reduce weakness
  • B. Reassess later because the systolic pressure is above 90
  • C. Report possible circulatory compromise immediately
  • D. Give an oral antipyretic and wait for the next observation

Explanation

The narrow pulse pressure, tachycardia, cool skin and weakness suggest possible plasma leakage and circulatory compromise in dengue. This combination requires immediate clinical review, even though the systolic pressure alone may not appear severely low.

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About Vital Signs and Monitoring

Vital signs include temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and pain assessment. Coverage includes correct measurement sites and techniques, normal adult ranges, factors that alter readings, trends in patient observations, and the difference between an abnormal finding that needs reassessment and one requiring immediate reporting.

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