Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Which term refers to low blood pressure?

1. Hypertension

2. Hypotension

3. Hyperglycemia

4. Ischemia

The correct answer is: Hypotension

Hypotension is the correct term for low blood pressure. It is defined as a condition where the blood pressure in the arteries is abnormally low, often resulting in inadequate blood flow to organs and tissues. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and in severe cases, shock. Understanding blood pressure is crucial as it helps in assessing a patient’s cardiovascular health. Hypertension refers to high blood pressure and is the opposite of hypotension. Hyperglycemia indicates high levels of glucose in the blood, which is related to diabetes rather than blood pressure. Ischemia describes a situation where there is insufficient blood flow to a tissue, often leading to tissue damage, but does not specifically refer to low blood pressure. These distinctions help in understanding patient conditions and the proper terminology used in medical settings.