Practice Question
What are some modifiable risk factors for hypertension? Drag and Drop the correct answers from the list of possible answers
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Increased intake of caffeine
Rationale:
Smoking
🔷Nicotine triggers sympathetic activation, causing vasoconstriction, increased heart rate, and an acute rise in blood pressure.
🔷Chronic exposure leads to endothelial dysfunction (↓ nitric oxide) and increased arterial stiffness, both strong drivers of sustained hypertension.
🔷Smoking amplifies oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating atherosclerosis and impairing vascular reactivity.
🔷It also stimulates the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), promoting sodium retention and higher vascular tone.
🔷Cessation rapidly reduces sympathetic drive and improves vascular function, making it one of the most impactful modifiable levers for BP control.
Increased intake of caffeine
🔷Caffeine antagonizes adenosine receptors, producing vasoconstriction and a measurable, often immediate BP rise (especially in sensitive or hypertensive individuals).
🔷It heightens catecholamine release, increasing cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance.
🔷Repeated large doses (e.g., coffee + energy drinks) can sustain elevated BP and worsen blood pressure variability.
🔷Timing matters: consuming caffeine before BP checks can mask control and lead to undertreatment.
🔷Reducing total caffeine (smaller servings, earlier in the day) diminishes these pressors effects and improves BP profiles.
Obesity
🔷Excess adiposity—particularly visceral fat—drives insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and renal sodium retention, all of which elevate blood pressure.
🔷Obesity increases sympathetic tone and activates RAAS, raising systemic vascular resistance and intravascular volume.
🔷It impairs endothelial function and increases arterial stiffness, compounding hypertension risk.
🔷Conditions linked to obesity, such as obstructive sleep apnea, further elevate nocturnal and daytime BP.
🔷Modest weight loss improves insulin sensitivity, lowers vascular resistance, and yields clinically meaningful BP reductions.
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This question is from RN NUR Health Assessment Exam 2 which contains 61 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: Examplify Exam(s)
- Domain: Health Assessment
- Answer Choices: 6