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?

Question

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.

Answer 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.