and Answers 2026/2027 Update | University
of Texas Arlington Hypertension Study
Guide | Verified Exam Prep
NURS 5434 Family III HTN Quiz Questions and Answers
2026/2027 Update | University of Texas Arlington Hypertension Study Guide
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
• This comprehensive study guide contains 200 verified exam-prep questions
covering all major hypertension management topics including pathophysiology,
classification, pharmacology, patient education, and special populations for family
nursing practice.
• Use this material to identify knowledge gaps, practice clinical reasoning, and
prepare for exams by studying questions in themed sections—complete a full pass
for breadth, then revisit incorrect answers for targeted mastery.
Q1) What is the normal blood pressure reading for adults according to current
guidelines?
A) Less than 100/60 mmHg
B) Less than 120/80 mmHg
C) 120-139/80-89 mmHg
D) 140/90 mmHg or higher
E) Less than 100/50 mmHg
✓ B) Less than 120/80 mmHg
EXPERT RATIONALE: Normal blood pressure for adults is defined as less than
120/80 mmHg according to the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American
Heart Association (AHA) 2017 guidelines.
,Q2) Which stage of hypertension requires immediate intervention and close
monitoring?
A) Elevated (120-129/<80)
B) Stage 1 HTN (130-139/80-89)
C) Stage 2 HTN (≥140/90)
D) Prehypertension (100-119/60-79)
E) Optimal (90/60)
✓ C) Stage 2 HTN (≥140/90)
EXPERT RATIONALE: Stage 2 hypertension (BP ≥140/90 mmHg) requires immediate
pharmacological intervention and aggressive management to prevent
cardiovascular complications.
Q3) What is the primary cause of essential hypertension?
A) Kidney disease
B) Pheochromocytoma
C) Unknown/multifactorial
D) Coarctation of aorta
E) Hyperaldosteronism
✓ C) Unknown/multifactorial
EXPERT RATIONALE: Essential (primary) hypertension accounts for 90-95% of all
hypertension cases and has no identifiable secondary cause; it results from
complex interactions between genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors.
Q4) Which modifiable risk factor has the strongest impact on reducing blood
pressure?
,A) Increasing sodium intake
B) Weight loss of 5-10 pounds
C) Reducing sodium intake and weight loss
D) Increasing alcohol consumption
E) Increasing caffeine intake
✓ C) Reducing sodium intake and weight loss
EXPERT RATIONALE: Combined dietary sodium reduction and weight loss of 10 kg
can reduce systolic BP by approximately 20-30 mmHg, making these the most
effective non-pharmacological interventions.
Q5) What is secondary hypertension?
A) Elevated BP as a result of another disease or medication
B) High BP that is not treatable
C) Hypertension that occurs in the second trimester
D) Hypertension resistant to all medications
E) Temporary elevation in blood pressure
✓ A) Elevated BP as a result of another disease or medication
EXPERT RATIONALE: Secondary hypertension (5-10% of cases) is caused by
identifiable underlying conditions such as kidney disease, endocrine disorders, or
medications rather than being primary.
Q6) Which medication class is typically a first-line agent for uncomplicated
hypertension?
A) Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
B) Calcium channel blockers
, C) Anticholinergic agents
D) Beta-blockers for all patients
E) Loop diuretics
✓ B) Calcium channel blockers
EXPERT RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and thiazide
diuretics are all acceptable first-line agents; calcium channel blockers are effective
and well-tolerated for most patients.
Q7) What is the mechanism of action of ACE inhibitors?
A) Block calcium influx into vascular smooth muscle
B) Inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
C) Block alpha-1 adrenergic receptors
D) Decrease norepinephrine release
E) Reduce renal sodium reabsorption
✓ B) Inhibit conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II
EXPERT RATIONALE: ACE inhibitors block the angiotensin-converting enzyme,
preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent
vasoconstrictor.
Q8) Which side effect is common with ACE inhibitor use?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Persistent dry cough
C) Tachycardia
D) Hyperglycemia
E) Hypercalcemia