Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

Which condition may require special monitoring in a resident with a history of hypertension?

1. Frequent headaches

2. Weight loss

3. Blood pressure spikes

4. Excessive sweating

The correct answer is: Blood pressure spikes

When considering the health management of a resident with a history of hypertension, monitoring for blood pressure spikes is essential. Blood pressure spikes can be indicative of uncontrolled hypertension or may signal a potential emergency, such as hypertensive crisis, which can lead to serious complications like stroke or heart attack. In individuals with hypertension, it is crucial to monitor their blood pressure regularly to ensure it remains within a safe range. Identifying any sudden increases allows for timely intervention, adjustment of medications, or lifestyle modifications as necessary. Continuous attention to blood pressure fluctuations helps healthcare providers assess how well the resident's condition is being managed and whether further adjustments in treatment are needed. While the other conditions listed may have some association with hypertension—such as frequent headaches potentially indicating high blood pressure or excessive sweating—these symptoms do not directly indicate an immediate risk as blood pressure spikes do. Weight loss can be beneficial for managing hypertension but is not a condition that requires special monitoring in the same critical way blood pressure spikes do. Therefore, monitoring for blood pressure spikes is the key focus for residents with a history of hypertension.