NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

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Ace your North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) with our comprehensive practice test. Features include interactive flashcards, multiple-choice questions, with detailed hints and explanations. Fast-track your pharmacy career today!

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In treating hypertensive urgency, how should BP be decreased?

Rapidly within the first hour
No more than 25% in first hour
Gradually over 24-48 hours
Immediately to normal levels

The correct answer is: Gradually over 24-48 hours

Treating hypertensive urgency involves gradually decreasing the blood pressure over a period of 24-48 hours. This is because rapidly decreasing blood pressure can cause a sudden decrease in perfusion to vital organs and potentially cause more harm. It is important to monitor the patient closely and gradually lower the blood pressure through appropriate measures such as medication adjustments. Rapidly decreasing blood pressure (option A) can lead to adverse reactions and should be avoided. No more than a 25% decrease in the first hour (option B) may not be enough to reduce the blood pressure to a safe level. Immediately decreasing blood pressure to normal levels (option D) is not recommended as it can also cause harm to vital organs. Therefore, the safest and most effective approach is to gradually lower the blood pressure over a 24-48 hour period (option C).