Which blood pressure reading is considered normotensive?

• A. 140/90
• B. 90/60
• C. 180/120
• D. 120/80

Answer: (D)

Normotensive means blood pressure that is within the normal range for an adult, indicating the arteries are not under excessive pressure and perfusion is appropriate. Among the options, the reading that sits in the normal range is the one that represents a balanced systolic and diastolic pressure, not elevated and not too low. A reading like 140/90 shows high pressure consistent with hypertension, a reading like 180/120 indicates a hypertensive emergency, and a very low reading like 90/60 can be hypotension. The standalone normal reading is the one around the standard normal values, typically around 120/80. Therefore, this is the normotensive choice.