Ineffective Tissue Perfusion: Hypertension Flashcards
Which of the following best describes primary (essential) hypertension?
A. It is caused by an underlying condition such as renal disease.
B. It develops gradually and has no identifiable cause.
C. It is caused by pregnancy and presents with proteinuria and edema.
D. It is always associated with a hypertensive crisis.
B. It develops gradually and has no identifiable cause.
🧐 Rationale: Primary (essential) hypertension is the most common form and occurs without an identifiable cause. Secondary hypertension (A) is due to an underlying condition, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (C) is specific to pregnancy, and malignant hypertension (D) is a severe, uncontrolled form.
What is the primary factor that increases afterload in hypertension?
A. Increased blood viscosity
B. Increased peripheral resistance due to vasoconstriction
C. Decreased preload
D. Increased stroke volume
B. Increased peripheral resistance due to vasoconstriction.
🧐 Rationale: Vasoconstriction in hypertension leads to increased afterload (the force the heart must overcome to eject blood). Increased blood viscosity (A) can contribute but is not the main factor. Preload (C) refers to venous return, not resistance, and stroke volume (D) is affected by cardiac output, not afterload.
Malignant hypertension is characterized by:
A. A gradual increase in blood pressure over years.
B. Hypertension resistant to treatment, leading to organ damage.
C. A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg or higher.
D. A temporary increase in blood pressure due to stress.
B. Hypertension resistant to treatment, leading to organ damage.
🧐 Rationale: Malignant hypertension is a severe, sudden, and treatment-resistant form of high blood pressure that causes rapid organ damage. Primary hypertension (A) develops gradually, 120/80 mmHg (C) is a normal BP, and stress-induced BP elevation (D) is temporary.
A pregnant patient presents with high blood pressure, proteinuria, and edema. What is the priority intervention?
A. Monitor blood pressure weekly.
B. Administer magnesium sulfate as prescribed.
C. Encourage increased fluid intake.
D. Advise complete bed rest until delivery.
B. Administer magnesium sulfate as prescribed.
🧐 Rationale: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) can progress to eclampsia, leading to seizures. Magnesium sulfate is used to prevent seizures. BP monitoring (A) is necessary but not the priority, increased fluids (C) can worsen edema, and bed rest (D) is recommended but not the immediate priority.
A patient with hypertension is prescribed a diuretic. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
C. Heart rate of 78 bpm
D. Mild dizziness when standing
A. Potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
🧐 Rationale: Many diuretics (especially loop diuretics) cause hypokalemia (normal K+ range: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Low potassium can cause arrhythmias and must be addressed immediately. BP of 140/90 (B) is elevated but not critical, HR of 78 (C) is normal, and mild dizziness (D) can be a common side effect of diuretics.
A nurse is teaching a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further education?
A. “I will reduce my sodium intake.”
B. “I’ll start exercising at least 150 minutes per week.”
C. “I don’t need to take my medication if my blood pressure is normal.”
D. “I’ll avoid alcohol and smoking.”
C. “I don’t need to take my medication if my blood pressure is normal.”
🧐 Rationale: Hypertension requires long-term management, even when BP appears normal. Stopping medications abruptly can cause a hypertensive crisis. The other statements reflect correct lifestyle modifications.
