Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which of the following is NOT a possible cause for secondary hypertension?

1. Acute pyelonephritis

2. Pheochromocytoma

3. Renovascular stenosis

4. Coarctation of the aorta

The correct answer is: Acute pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis is primarily an infection of the kidneys that can lead to inflammation but is generally not a direct cause of secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure that results from an identifiable underlying condition. The other options listed are known causes of secondary hypertension. Pheochromocytoma, for instance, is a tumor of the adrenal gland that secretes excessive catecholamines, leading to episodes of elevated blood pressure. Renovascular stenosis occurs when there is narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys, causing a decrease in renal perfusion and a subsequent rise in blood pressure due to the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital condition characterized by the narrowing of the aorta, which can produce high blood pressure in the upper body due to increased resistance. In summary, while acute pyelonephritis may lead to temporary fluctuations in blood pressure due to renal inflammation or pain, it does not typically result in chronic secondary hypertension like the other conditions listed.