The nurse is teaching a community education class on ...

[laurencescou]

The nurse is teaching a community education class on hypertension. Which statement about secondary hypertension compared with primary (essential) hypertension most accurately reflects these disease processes?
 
  a. The cause of primary hypertension is known, whereas the cause of secondary hypertension is unknown.
  b. Primary hypertension may lead to significant morbidity; secondary hypertension, which usually occurs as a consequence of a disease, also can lead to significant morbidity.
  c. The cause of secondary hypertension is potentially treatable, whereas primary hypertension is not.
  d. More young adults have primary hypertension, whereas older adults have secondary hypertension.

Question 2

During patient education, the nurse discusses the major side effects of thiazide diuretics, because the patient has just begun therapy. The nurse should review the laboratory results for the patient and should be concerned about a finding of a
 
  a. blood sugar level of 80.
  b. potassium level of 3.
  c. blood pressure of 106/48.
  d. potassium level of 5.7.

[wergv]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Both primary and secondary hypertension can lead to significant morbidity.
Primary hypertension is defined as hypertension that has no identifiable cause and secondary hypertension is due to an identifiable disease.
Primary and secondary hypertension is treatable, and managed by antihypertensive medication and/or diuretics.
The statement that more young adults have primary hypertension, versus older adults having secondary hypertension is not true. Genetics, diet and, other comorbidities must be considered.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The nurse should be concerned if the potassium level is low (3), because thiazide diuretics are potassium wasting and will exacerbate any hypokalemia.
A blood sugar level of 80 is normal, and a thiazide diuretic may possibly elevate blood glucose.
A blood pressure of 106/48 may be significant; however, it is not a laboratory value.
A potassium level of 5.7 is high; however the thiazide diuretic should be given to reduce the potassium level.

[laurencescou]

Both answers were spot on, thank you once again

[wergv]

Great! Please up vote