According to PALS, the lower limit of acceptable (5th percentile) systolic blood pressure in a child older than 1 year is estimated by which formula?

• A 60 + (age in years × 1)
• B 70 + (age in years × 2) ✓
• C 80 + (age in years × 2)
• D 90 - (age in years × 2)

Explanation

The accepted 5th percentile cutoff for systolic BP beyond infancy is 70 mmHg plus twice the age in years. Thus a 4-year-old is considered hypotensive below 78 mmHg. The 80 plus formula overestimates the normal lower bound, while 90 minus age applies to no standard convention. Recognizing this cutoff matters because children maintain blood pressure until late in shock, so hypotension signals decompensation.

Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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