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Hypertension — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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EasyAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareHypertensionUSMLE Step 3

A 52-year-old man has blood pressure readings of 154/94 mm Hg and 150/92 mm Hg at two office visits. He has no symptoms, takes no medications, and has a normal basic metabolic panel. Physical examination is otherwise normal. He asks whether he should start lifelong treatment today. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Obtain home or ambulatory blood pressure measurements

Hypertension should be confirmed with out-of-office measurement when feasible before long-term treatment is started, unless readings are severe or end-organ injury is present.

Reference: 2025 AHA/ACC High Blood Pressure Guideline; USMLE Step 3 content outline