Arlington -FNP III Quiz 2
Hypertension Questions With
Complete Solutions.
Course
FNP
Question 1
Scenario: A 55-year-old patient presents for a routine visit. Blood pressure readings over two
visits are 148/92 mmHg and 150/94 mmHg.
Question: According to the ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, what stage of hypertension does this
patient have?
Options:
A) Normal
B) Elevated
C) Stage 1 hypertension
D) Stage 2 hypertension
Answer: D) Stage 2 hypertension
Solution:
Stage 2 hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg. This patient
consistently has readings above both thresholds.
Question 2
Question: Which of the following is considered a primary (essential) cause of hypertension?
Options:
A) Chronic kidney disease
B) Hyperaldosteronism
C) Genetics and lifestyle factors
D) Coarctation of the aorta
Answer: C) Genetics and lifestyle factors
Solution:
Primary hypertension has no single identifiable cause and is influenced by genetics, diet, obesity,
and lifestyle habits. Other options represent secondary hypertension.
,Question 3
Scenario: A patient with hypertension has a serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L after starting a
thiazide diuretic.
Question: What is the most likely cause of this electrolyte abnormality?
Options:
A) Secondary hyperaldosteronism
B) Hypokalemia induced by diuretic therapy
C) Chronic kidney disease
D) Hyperkalemia
Answer: B) Hypokalemia induced by diuretic therapy
Solution:
Thiazide diuretics increase renal potassium excretion, potentially causing hypokalemia.
Monitoring electrolytes is essential after initiation.
Question 4
Question: Which lifestyle modification has the strongest evidence for lowering blood pressure?
Options:
A) Reducing alcohol intake
B) Weight loss and DASH diet
C) Smoking cessation
D) Increasing vitamin D intake
Answer: B) Weight loss and DASH diet
Solution:
Weight reduction and adherence to the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet
can lower systolic BP by up to 10 mmHg, which is highly significant.
Question 5
Scenario: A 60-year-old African American patient presents with stage 1 hypertension.
Question: What is the first-line pharmacologic therapy according to JNC 8 guidelines?
Options:
A) ACE inhibitor
B) Thiazide diuretic or calcium channel blocker
, C) Beta-blocker
D) Loop diuretic
Answer: B) Thiazide diuretic or calcium channel blocker
Solution:
Evidence shows African American patients respond better to thiazides or CCBs compared to
ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers for initial therapy.
Question 6
Question: Which lab test is most important to order before starting an ACE inhibitor in a
hypertensive patient?
Options:
A) CBC and liver function
B) Serum creatinine and potassium
C) Blood glucose
D) Lipid panel
Answer: B) Serum creatinine and potassium
Solution:
ACE inhibitors can increase potassium and worsen kidney function, so baseline renal function
and electrolytes must be checked.
Question 7
Scenario: A patient has resistant hypertension despite being on three antihypertensive agents
including a diuretic.
Question: What is the next best step?
Options:
A) Increase lifestyle modifications only
B) Evaluate for secondary causes of hypertension
C) Switch all medications to beta-blockers
D) Start ACE inhibitor regardless of labs
Answer: B) Evaluate for secondary causes of hypertension
Solution:
Resistant hypertension warrants assessment for secondary causes such as hyperaldosteronism,
renal artery stenosis, or endocrine disorders.