1. As a nurse which of the following findings from your patient with hypertension is most important to address?’
The correct answer is (b). It is recommended that in preventing hypertension one should include aerobic (dancing, swimming, walking) exercise for 30min at least 5 days a week. c) 5 pounds over BMI is not a risk factor for hypertension. a) The DASH diet is high in fiber but that alone will not prevent hypertension. d) The patient’s level of alcohol intake of drinking wine with dinner once a week will not increase the risk for hypertension.
2. E.A was told by his PCP that his hypertension is essential or primary hypertension. Which of the following is true about primary hypertension?
The correct answer is (c). Primary hypertension has no known single cause. It is thought to be linked to genetics, obesity, diet and lack of exercise. Almost 95% of all hypertension cases are primary. (a) and (b) is secondary hypertension. (d) is incorrect because primary hypertension will not resolve on its own unless interventions such as lifestyle changes or medication are implemented.
3. While reading up on his new diagnosis of hypertension, E.A. came across literature about the RAAS and its interaction with blood pressure. Which of the following correctly describes how angiotensin II can contribute to hypertension?
The correct answer is (c). Angiotensin II raises blood pressure by stimulating arteries to vasoconstrict. While Angiotensin II does stimulate the adrenal gland to secrete aldosterone which causes water retention (b) and stimulates the secretion of antidiuretic hormone (d), it does not lower blood pressure. Angiotensin II increases, not decreases (a), sympathetic nervous system activity.
4. Why is it important to treat hypertension?
The correct answer is (b). It is important to treat hypertension because it can lead to complications such as stroke, heart diseases, kidney damage and even death. a) There are treatment options and ways to manage hypertension. c) Stroke is not the only complication that can arise from hypertension. d) Even though hypertension is called asymptomatic, it is often called the ” silent killer,” and needs to be treated and controlled.
5. What criteria must be met for a patient to be diagnosed with hypertension? Select all that apply.
The correct answers are (a) and (c). According to the text, for a patient to be diagnosed with hypertension, they must be seated with their arm supported at heart level while blood pressure readings are being taken, and two blood pressure measurements must be taken at least 5 minutes apart and together average systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or greater and a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher. d) If a patient has consumed caffeine or smoked tobacco thirty minutes prior to the readings, they are not valid because caffeine and smoking increase the blood pressure. b) More than one high blood pressure reading is required to diagnose hypertension.