Hypertension: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Question 1

To diagnose hypertension, what steps should be taken sequentially, including ruling out conditions that may cause similar symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Measure blood pressure in both arms, rule out secondary causes, and assess for organ damage.

Answer

Measure blood pressure once in one arm, start antihypertensive medications, and monitor blood pressure over time.

Answer

Measure blood pressure multiple times in one arm, rule out organ damage, and start antihypertensive medications if blood pressure is high.

Question 2

What is the primary physiological mechanism leading to increased vascular resistance in hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Vasoconstriction of arterioles

Answer

Increased cardiac output

Answer

Reduced blood volume

Answer

Impaired renal function

Question 3

Which of the following medications has vasodilatory effects and inhibits renin secretion?

Accepted Answer

Captopril

Answer

Metoprolol

Answer

Furosemide

Answer

Diltiazem

Question 4

What is a common adverse effect associated with diuretic use in hypertension management?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte imbalance

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Question 5

Identify the primary hemodynamic mechanism responsible for the development of essential hypertension.

Accepted Answer

Increased peripheral vascular resistance

Answer

Increased cardiac output

Answer

Decreased arterial compliance

Answer

Increased intravascular volume

Question 6

Excluding hyperthyroidism, which of the following is NOT a potential clinical manifestation of severe hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Epistaxis

Answer

Blurred vision

Answer

Renal failure

Question 7

Which laboratory test plays a crucial role in the evaluation of secondary hypertension?

Accepted Answer

24-hour urine free cortisol

Answer

Echocardiogram

Answer

Serum creatinine

Answer

Complete blood count

Question 8

According to current guidelines, which antihypertensive drug class is recommended as first-line therapy?

Accepted Answer

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Calcium channel blockers

Answer

Diuretics

Question 9

Which adverse effect is commonly associated with beta-blocker therapy?

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Question 10

Which lifestyle modification has the greatest impact on reducing blood pressure levels?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss

Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Sodium restriction

Answer

Smoking cessation

Question 11

Which ethnic group in the United States has the highest prevalence of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

African Americans

Answer

Non-Hispanic whites

Answer

Hispanic Americans

Answer

Asian Americans

Question 12

The primary underlying mechanism leading to hypertension in most cases is:

Accepted Answer

Increased systemic vascular resistance

Answer

Increased cardiac output

Answer

Decreased renal blood flow

Answer

Reduced renin production

Question 13

During the initial evaluation of a patient with hypertension, which of the following laboratory tests is typically ordered first?

Accepted Answer

Comprehensive metabolic panel

Answer

Complete blood count

Answer

Lipid profile

Answer

Thyroid function tests

Question 14

What is the primary mechanism responsible for the elevation of blood pressure in most cases of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Increased peripheral vascular resistance

Answer

Increased cardiac output

Answer

Increased blood volume

Answer

Vasodilation

Question 15

Which class of antihypertensive drugs is generally recommended as first-line therapy for most patients?

Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors

Answer

Beta-blockers

Answer

Diuretics

Answer

Calcium channel blockers

Question 16

What is the most common adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitors?

Accepted Answer

Dry cough

Answer

Tachycardia

Answer

Hypotension

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Question 17

What is the primary mechanism of action of diuretics in the treatment of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Decrease sodium reabsorption

Answer

Increase blood volume

Answer

Decrease cardiac output

Answer

Increase peripheral vascular resistance

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT generally considered a primary risk factor for developing hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Regular exercise

Answer

Excessive alcohol consumption

Answer

Obesity

Answer

Family history of hypertension

Question 19

Which type of hypertension is usually associated with an underlying identifiable cause?

Accepted Answer

Secondary hypertension

Answer

Essential hypertension

Answer

Primary hypertension

Answer

Malignant hypertension

Question 20

Which of the following medications is a vasodilator commonly used in the treatment of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Hydralazine

Answer

Metformin

Answer

Atenolol

Answer

Furosemide

Question 21

Which of the following is a potential side effect of beta-blockers used in the treatment of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Bradycardia

Answer

Hyperkalemia

Answer

Hepatotoxicity

Answer

Hypoglycemia

Question 22

Which of the following is a recommended target blood pressure for patients with diabetes and hypertension?

Accepted Answer

<130/80 mmHg

Answer

<140/90 mmHg

Answer

<150/95 mmHg

Answer

<160/100 mmHg

Question 23

Which of the following is the most prevalent cause of secondary hypertension worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Renal artery stenosis

Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Answer

Primary hyperaldosteronism

Answer

Coarctation of the aorta

Question 24

Which of the following is NOT considered a major risk factor for developing hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Regular physical exercise

Answer

Family history of hypertension

Answer

Obesity

Answer

High sodium intake

Question 25

Which of the following laboratory tests is most valuable in the initial evaluation of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Urinalysis

Answer

Thyroid function tests

Answer

Complete blood count

Answer

Lipid profile

Question 26

Which of the following is a serious potential complication of uncontrolled hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Stroke

Answer

Gout

Answer

Appendicitis

Answer

Pneumonia

Question 27

Which of the following is a well-established risk factor for the development of hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Obesity

Answer

Balanced diet

Answer

Normal weight

Answer

Regular exercise

Question 28

The primary mechanism of action of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in reducing blood pressure is through:

Accepted Answer

Inhibition of angiotensin II production

Answer

Stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis

Answer

Inhibition of calcium channels

Answer

Blockade of beta-adrenergic receptors

Question 29

Which of the following is a potential long-term complication of poorly controlled hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Heart failure

Answer

Cirrhosis

Answer

Osteomalacia

Answer

Hyperthyroidism

Question 30

Which of the following lifestyle modifications is most strongly supported by evidence to prevent and manage hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Regular physical activity

Answer

Alcohol consumption

Answer

High-fat diet

Answer

Smoking cessation

Question 31

In essential (primary) hypertension, the predominant pathophysiological mechanism leading to elevated blood pressure is:

Accepted Answer

Increased peripheral vascular resistance

Answer

Increased circulating blood volume

Answer

Impaired renal function

Answer

Decreased cardiac output

Question 32

The preferred diagnostic test for confirming a diagnosis of hypertension is:

Accepted Answer

24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring

Answer

Single office blood pressure measurement

Answer

Home blood pressure monitoring for one week

Answer

Echocardiogram

Question 33

What is the most prevalent type of hypertension encountered in clinical practice?

Accepted Answer

Primary hypertension

Answer

Hypertensive urgency

Answer

Secondary hypertension

Answer

Malignant hypertension

Question 34

Which of the following is the most frequent cause of secondary hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Renal artery stenosis

Answer

Cushing's syndrome

Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Answer

Coarctation of the aorta

Question 35

Which patient profile suggests the highest likelihood of secondary hypertension?

Accepted Answer

A 55-year-old female with a history of chronic kidney disease

Answer

A 30-year-old male with a family history of hypertension

Answer

A 60-year-old male with a sedentary lifestyle

Answer

A 45-year-old female with a history of smoking and obesity

Question 36

Which of the following are recognized risk factors for developing hypertension?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Family history of hypertension

Answer

Obesity

Question 37

What is the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Lifestyle modifications

Answer

Surgical intervention

Answer

Observation only

Answer

Antihypertensive medications

Question 38

Which of the following health problems can arise as a potential complication of untreated hypertension?

Accepted Answer

All of the above

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Myocardial infarction

Answer

Kidney disease

Question 39

Which lifestyle modification is recommended for individuals managing hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Weight loss

Answer

Increased alcohol consumption

Answer

Smoking

Answer

Increased sodium intake

Question 40

What is considered the most crucial nursing intervention for a patient diagnosed with hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Patient education

Answer

Blood pressure monitoring

Answer

Medication administration

Answer

Dietary counseling