Hypertension diagnosis — RACGP Fellowship MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyChronic disease managementHypertension diagnosisRACGP Fellowship

A 51‑year‑old man has repeated clinic blood pressure readings around 148/92 mmHg. He feels well and has no signs or symptoms of target‑organ damage. What is the most appropriate investigation?

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

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Confirm blood pressure with ambulatory or home blood pressure monitoring

This patient’s repeated clinic readings are suggestive but not diagnostic of hypertension. Best practice—endorsed in Australian Prescriber (April 2026)—is to confirm elevated office BP with out‑of‑office measurement (ambulatory or home monitoring) before diagnosis and treatment. MBS item 11607 funds ABPM for patients with clinic BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg who have not started antihypertensives. Option E aligns with this standard. Option C is premature and risks overtreatment. Option D is inappropriate without suspicion of secondary hypertension. Option B inappropriately delays necessary assessment. Option A violates diagnostic standards by relying on a single clinic visit.

Reference: Measuring blood pressure accurately (Aust Prescr, 2026) and MBS item 11607 for ambulatory BP monitoring (health.gov.au, 2026)

Hypertension diagnosis — RACGP Fellowship MCQ

A 51‑year‑old man has repeated clinic blood pressure readings around 148/92 mmHg. He feels well and has no signs or symptoms of target‑organ damage. What is the most appropriate investigation?

A 51‑year‑old man has repeated clinic blood pressure readings around 148/92 mmHg. He feels well and has no signs or symptoms of target‑organ damage. What is the most appropriate investigation?