American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

When should hypertension medications typically be initiated?

1. Systolic 130 OR diastolic 80

2. Systolic 140 OR diastolic 90

3. Systolic 150 OR diastolic 95

4. Systolic 160 OR diastolic 100

The correct answer is: Systolic 140 OR diastolic 90

The initiation of hypertension medications is generally recommended when a patient’s blood pressure readings reach certain thresholds, and the most widely accepted standard is to begin treatment at a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg. This recommendation aligns with guidelines from major health organizations, which aim to identify individuals at risk for cardiovascular events and manage those risks effectively. Starting treatment at this specified stage helps prevent the long-term consequences associated with uncontrolled hypertension, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Historically, this threshold has been established based on extensive research linking these specific blood pressure levels to increased cardiovascular risk, making it a crucial guideline for clinicians. Consequently, choosing a threshold that is lower (like systolic 130 or diastolic 80) could lead to overtreatment, while higher ranges may postpone necessary interventions. This balance of effective patient care allows for a practical approach toward managing hypertension in a clinical setting.