ALU 101 Build & Blood Pressure UPDATED
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
The most powerful single predictor of future mortality - CORRECT ANSWER - blood
pressure level (with systolic & diastolic being independent risk factors). Although risk increases
with rising levels of blood pressure, even mild hypertension significantly shortens life
expectancy.
Systolic Blood Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER - maximum pressure achieved during
systole (the period of contraction of the heart)
Systole - CORRECT ANSWER - the period of contraction of the heart
Diatolic Blood Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER - minimum pressure occurring at the end
of diastole (the relaxation phase of the heart muscle)
Diastole - CORRECT ANSWER - the relaxation phase of the heart muscle
Pulse Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER - The difference between the systolic and diastolic
blood pressures.
Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - High Blood Pressure, defined as a sustained
elevation in systolic BP above 140/90 (with either number being elevated)
Hypotension - CORRECT ANSWER - Low Blood Pressure, defined as a sitting position
systolic BP of 90 or lower that causes symptoms. Postural or orthostatic hypotension is defined
as a drop in systolic BP of at least 20 mm Hg or a drop in diastolic BP of 10 mm Hg.
Normal Blood Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER - less than 120/180
, Pre-Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - 120/80 - 139/89
Stage 1 Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - 140/90 - 159/99
Stage 2 Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - 160/100 and over
Primary Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - Accounts for 95% of hypertension, aka
essential or idiopathic hypertension, has no identifiable cause.
Secondary Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - Accounts for 5% of cases of
hypertension, is due to an underlying disease or external cause.
Diseases that can cause hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - Diseases of the kidney,
thyroid and aorta, Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, pheochromocytoma, primary
hyperaldosteronism, sleep apnea, and pregnancy.
External causes of hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen, tylenol, etc), steroids, nicotine, alcohol, amphetamines, and
cocaine
White-Coat Syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER - high BP readings in the doctor's office
with normal readings in other settings, also called labile hypertension.
Systolic Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - Systolic BP over 140, Diastolic BP under
90. More common over age 50
Pseudo Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - inaccurately high readings in the elderly
due to stiff, calcified arteries or in the obese due to a cuff that is too small
ACTUAL Exam Questions and CORRECT
Answers
The most powerful single predictor of future mortality - CORRECT ANSWER - blood
pressure level (with systolic & diastolic being independent risk factors). Although risk increases
with rising levels of blood pressure, even mild hypertension significantly shortens life
expectancy.
Systolic Blood Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER - maximum pressure achieved during
systole (the period of contraction of the heart)
Systole - CORRECT ANSWER - the period of contraction of the heart
Diatolic Blood Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER - minimum pressure occurring at the end
of diastole (the relaxation phase of the heart muscle)
Diastole - CORRECT ANSWER - the relaxation phase of the heart muscle
Pulse Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER - The difference between the systolic and diastolic
blood pressures.
Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - High Blood Pressure, defined as a sustained
elevation in systolic BP above 140/90 (with either number being elevated)
Hypotension - CORRECT ANSWER - Low Blood Pressure, defined as a sitting position
systolic BP of 90 or lower that causes symptoms. Postural or orthostatic hypotension is defined
as a drop in systolic BP of at least 20 mm Hg or a drop in diastolic BP of 10 mm Hg.
Normal Blood Pressure - CORRECT ANSWER - less than 120/180
, Pre-Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - 120/80 - 139/89
Stage 1 Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - 140/90 - 159/99
Stage 2 Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - 160/100 and over
Primary Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - Accounts for 95% of hypertension, aka
essential or idiopathic hypertension, has no identifiable cause.
Secondary Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - Accounts for 5% of cases of
hypertension, is due to an underlying disease or external cause.
Diseases that can cause hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - Diseases of the kidney,
thyroid and aorta, Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, pheochromocytoma, primary
hyperaldosteronism, sleep apnea, and pregnancy.
External causes of hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs: ibuprofen, tylenol, etc), steroids, nicotine, alcohol, amphetamines, and
cocaine
White-Coat Syndrome - CORRECT ANSWER - high BP readings in the doctor's office
with normal readings in other settings, also called labile hypertension.
Systolic Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - Systolic BP over 140, Diastolic BP under
90. More common over age 50
Pseudo Hypertension - CORRECT ANSWER - inaccurately high readings in the elderly
due to stiff, calcified arteries or in the obese due to a cuff that is too small
