If a 13-year-old child has a blood pressure of 140/90 for three days in a row, what blood pressure category/stage would this child be diagnosed with?

In determining the blood pressure category for a 13-year-old, it's crucial to refer to the standard guidelines for pediatric blood pressure readings. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 falls above the thresholds set for both normal and slightly elevated categories in children and adolescents.

For adolescents aged 13, normal blood pressure is typically defined as less than the 90th percentile. Similarly, slightly elevated blood pressure would not reach the levels observed here. In contrast, stage 1 hypertension is categorized as systolic or diastolic blood pressure from the 95th to the 99th percentile plus 5 mm Hg. Since the reading of 140/90 exceeds these thresholds, it indicates a more serious condition.

Thus, with sustained readings of 140/90 for three consecutive days, the child would be classified under stage 2 hypertension. This stage describes significantly elevated blood pressure that requires medical evaluation and likely intervention to prevent complications.