A patient’s blood pressure is 118/82 mm Hg. He asks the nurse, “What do the numbers mean?” What is the nurse’s best reply?

Choice A reason: The systolic pressure (top number) measures arterial pressure during heart contraction, accurately explaining 118/82 mm Hg. This clear, correct definition educates the patient, making it the best reply. Choice B reason: Diastolic pressure (bottom number) reflects arterial pressure at rest, not stroke volume. Systolic pressure is correctly defined as contraction pressure, so this is incorrect for explaining the numbers. Choice C reason: Dismissing blood pressure as complex is unhelpful; both numbers matter. Systolic pressure is accurately defined as heart contraction pressure, so this is incorrect for patient education. Choice D reason: Stating the numbers are normal (118/82 is prehypertension) avoids explaining their meaning. Defining systolic pressure clarifies the reading, so this is incorrect for answering the question.