Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

What is essential hypertension also known as?

1. Secondary hypertension

2. Primary hypertension

3. Isolated systolic hypertension

4. Malignant hypertension

The correct answer is: Primary hypertension

Essential hypertension, also known as primary hypertension, is a common type of high blood pressure. It is the most common type of hypertension and does not have a specific underlying cause. Option A, secondary hypertension, refers to high blood pressure caused by an underlying health condition. Option C, isolated systolic hypertension, is a type of hypertension where the top number of blood pressure is high but the bottom number is normal. And option D, malignant hypertension, is a severe form of high blood pressure that can quickly damage organs and requires immediate medical treatment. Therefore, option B, primary hypertension, is the correct answer as it specifically refers to essential hypertension.