One of the complications of hypertension is?

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

Medical Surgical Nursing

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2015

Explanation

Prolonged high blood pressure damages the inner lining of arteries, accelerating the process of atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries).
When atherosclerosis affects the coronary arteries, it is known as coronary artery disease (CAD).
Hypertension increases the workload on the heart, leading to thickening of the heart muscle (left ventricular hypertrophy), which demands more oxygen.
If a plaque in a coronary artery ruptures, a blood clot can form, blocking blood flow and causing a myocardial infarction (heart attack), which is the death of heart muscle tissue.

Option B: Accelerated hypertension is a severe type or progression of hypertension itself, often classified as a hypertensive emergency, not a resulting complication from chronic hypertension.
Option C: This is a broad term. Myocardial infarction is a specific type of acute arterial occlusion (of a coronary artery). The option 'Myocardial infarction' is more precise and a classic, named complication of hypertension.
Option D: This describes the pathological process (tissue death from lack of oxygen) that occurs during a myocardial infarction or stroke. It is the result of the complication, not the complication itself.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain This question tests the knowledge of long-term complications associated with chronic hypertension as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a crucial role in managing hypertension through patient education on medication adherence, diet (low sodium), regular exercise, and smoking cessation to prevent life-threatening complications like MI.
Monitoring for signs of target-organ damage is a key nursing responsibility. This includes assessing for chest pain (MI), neurological changes (stroke), decreased urine output (kidney damage), and vision changes (retinopathy).
Patient safety is paramount. Educating patients about the 'silent' nature of hypertension helps them understand the importance of regular BP checks and adherence to treatment even when they feel well.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is the long-term consequences or complications of a chronic disease (hypertension).
Read all the options carefully.
Evaluate each option to determine if it is a direct result of long-standing high blood pressure.
Option A, Myocardial infarction, is a well-known cardiovascular event linked to hypertension-induced atherosclerosis.
Option B, Accelerated hypertension, is a severe form of the disease itself, not a separate complication.
Option C, Acute arterial occlusion, is a general mechanism. MI is a specific example of this.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: This question tests the knowledge of long-term complications associated with chronic hypertension.
Stem keywords: complications, hypertension
Lead-in keywords: One of the

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