CHS Diagnosis and Evaluation 2

Question 1

A patient has BP readings of 148/92 mmHg on three separate clinic visits over 4 weeks. According to ACC/AHA 2017 guidelines, how is this classified?

Accepted Answer

Stage 2 hypertension

Answer

Stage 2 hypertension is defined as systolic ≥140 mmHg or diastolic ≥90 mmHg on confirmed readings.

Question 2

Which ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) threshold best defines daytime hypertension?

Accepted Answer

≥135/85 mmHg

Answer

Daytime (awake) ABPM hypertension threshold is ≥135/85 mmHg, which is lower than office BP thresholds.

Question 3

A 45-year-old presents with episodic headaches, diaphoresis, and palpitations. BP is 182/104 mmHg during symptoms. Which secondary cause should be ruled out first?

Accepted Answer

Pheochromocytoma

Answer

The triad of episodic headache, diaphoresis, and palpitations is classic for pheochromocytoma, a catecholamine-secreting tumor.

Question 4

When measuring clinic blood pressure, how long should the patient rest in a seated position before the first measurement?

Accepted Answer

5 minutes

Answer

Guidelines recommend at least 5 minutes of quiet rest before BP measurement to minimize physiological reactivity.

Question 5

Home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) average consistent with hypertension is:

Accepted Answer

≥135/85 mmHg

Answer

A home BP average ≥135/85 mmHg corresponds to hypertension, analogous to the ABPM daytime threshold.

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

(CHS) Certified Hypertension Specialist Practice Test

CHS Diagnosis and Evaluation 2