For our January 26th Question of the Week, over 70% of respondents chose the best answer!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below: Answer Question

Question: RJ is 52 with type 1 diabetes and a minor stroke last year. RJ takes an ACE Inhibitor, insulin, and a statin.

According to ADA Standards of Care 2021, what is the blood pressure target for RJ?

Answer Choices:

1. 120/70
2. 130/80
3. 140/90
4. 135/85

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As shown above, the most common choice was option 2, the second most common answer was option 3, then option 1, and finally option 4.

Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, the content of this practice test question will set you up for success.

Answer 1 is incorrect 12.16% chose this answer. “120/70”. The ADA Standards suggest that we provide information on healthy eating and the importance of activity, coupled with a referral to a RD and DSMES, when blood pressure levels are greater than 120/70. But, this is not the blood pressure management goal.

Answer 2 is correct 70.82% of you chose this answer. “130/80”. This is the best answer. Since RJ had a stroke, they walk through the door with an existing CV event, which identifies them as higher risk for a future event. The standards state that if the person has experienced a CV event or has a 10 year risk of 15% or greater (using the ASCVD Risk Calculator), the blood pressure target is 130/80.

Answer 3 is incorrect 13.37% of you chose this answer “140/90” The ADA Standards state that the blood pressure target is 140/90 if the 10 year risk of a CV event is less than 15% or the person has not experienced a previous CV event. Since RJ had experienced a minor stroke, the target is 130/80. Of course, this goal is individualized based on individual factors and a risk/benefit analysis.

Answer 4 is incorrect 3.65% of you chose this answer. “135/85” The standards state that if the person has experienced a CV event or has a 10 year risk of 15% or greater (using the ASCVD Risk Calculator), the blood pressure target is 130/80.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!

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