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With a blood pressure reading of 160/100, the mean arterial pressure is ___ mmHg.

  1. 60

  2. 80

  3. 100

  4. 120

The correct answer is: 80

To calculate the mean arterial pressure (MAP) from a blood pressure reading, you can use the formula: \[ MAP \approx DBP + \frac{(SBP - DBP)}{3} \] In this formula, DBP represents diastolic blood pressure, and SBP represents systolic blood pressure. For the given blood pressure reading of 160/100 mmHg: - SBP (systolic blood pressure) = 160 mmHg - DBP (diastolic blood pressure) = 100 mmHg Substituting these values into the formula gives: \[ MAP \approx 100 + \frac{(160 - 100)}{3} \] \[ MAP \approx 100 + \frac{60}{3} \] \[ MAP \approx 100 + 20 \] \[ MAP \approx 120 \, mmHg \] Therefore, the mean arterial pressure is 120 mmHg, supporting the answer that matches this calculation. The MAP is a crucial parameter in critical care as it reflects the average blood pressure in a person's arteries during one cardiac cycle, providing an important insight into perfusion and organ function.