A nurse notes a blood pressure of 88/52 mmHg, a pulse of 110 bpm, and cool, clammy skin. What is the most likely interpretation?

• A. Hypertension with tachycardia; consider anxiety.
• B. Hypotension with tachycardia; possible hypovolemia or shock; assess further and notify supervisor.
• C. Normal vitals for an adult; monitor briefly.
• D. Hypertension and bradycardia; possible myocardial infarction.

Answer: (B)

Low blood pressure together with a fast pulse and cool, clammy skin signals reduced perfusion from decreased circulating volume. The body responds to low blood pressure by increasing heart rate to try to maintain cardiac output, while peripheral vasoconstriction makes the skin feel cold and clammy. This pattern fits hypotension with tachycardia due to possible hypovolemia or shock, so the nurse should perform a thorough assessment, monitor closely, establish IV access, check for signs of bleeding or dehydration, and notify the supervisor promptly.

The other patterns don’t fit: high blood pressure with a fast pulse isn’t consistent with the current hypotensive state; normal vitals would not include hypotension and tachycardia; high blood pressure with a slow pulse also doesn’t align with the presentation reported here.