GoodNurse free practice
NCLEX Question of the Day
Review the question, check the correct answer, and read the rationale before tomorrow's prompt arrives.
A patient with a history of chronic hypertension is diagnosed with hypertensive retinopathy. Which of the following is the most accurate description of how chronic hypertension leads to hypertensive retinopathy?
-
Hypertension causes increased intraocular pressure leading to retinal damage.
-
Correct answer Chronic hypertension causes damage to the retinal arterioles, leading to retinal ischemia and hemorrhage.
-
Chronic hypertension induces autoimmune reactions against retinal tissue.
-
Hypertension causes a hypercoagulable state leading to retinal vein thrombosis.
Rationale
Hypertensive retinopathy is a complication of chronic hypertension where the persistently elevated blood pressure causes damage to the retinal arterioles. This damage can result in retinal ischemia (lack of blood flow) and hemorrhage, which can adversely affect vision. It's not primarily associated with increased intraocular pressure, a hypercoagulable state, or autoimmune reactions against retinal tissue.
GoodNurse AI
Want to talk through why the other options are wrong? Sign up for GoodNurse to ask follow-up questions and get a guided explanation.
Free daily practice
Get the next question.
One NCLEX-style prompt, answer, and rationale in your inbox every morning. No account needed.
Free NCLEX practice. Unsubscribe anytime.