Which of the following is an example of a correct way to write a blood pressure reading?

A blood pressure reading is correctly written as two numbers separated by a slash, which indicates systolic pressure over diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the first number, representing the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure is the second number, indicating the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest between beats.

Using a slash effectively communicates this standard measurement method in clinical practice. The format 120/75 is universally recognized and follows the accepted guidelines for documenting blood pressure readings.

The other formats—using a plus, minus, or multiplication sign—do not conform to medical standards for recording blood pressure and could create confusion. These alternate formats could imply operations or relationships that are not pertinent to blood pressure documentation. Thus, the clear and accepted formatting is essential for accurate communication among healthcare professionals.