Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What condition is defined as high blood pressure?

1. Hypotension

2. Hypertension

3. Arrhythmia

4. Pulmonary embolism

The correct answer is: Hypertension

High blood pressure is medically defined as hypertension. This condition occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high, which can lead to various health issues, including heart disease and stroke. It is important to recognize that hypertension can be asymptomatic, often leading individuals to be unaware of their condition until it is diagnosed through routine blood pressure measurements. Hypotension, in contrast, refers to low blood pressure and does not reflect a high-pressure condition. Arrhythmia is related to irregular heartbeats and does not directly pertain to blood pressure levels. Pulmonary embolism involves a blockage in a pulmonary artery, usually due to blood clots, and is not classified under blood pressure conditions. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the significance of hypertension in patient care and its management strategies.