Hypertension – Example Exercises consists of twenty-four example exercises. These twenty-four example exercises are presented in two different orders.

Mixed Up Order

The example exercises are presented in no particular order with regard to the type of patient or the number of steps of treatment needed. No information about the patient/treatment is shown. The mixed up order gives a better way of testing the user’s knowledge about what treatment is needed.

Systematic Order

The example exercises are presented systematically according to the type of patient involved and the number of steps of treatment needed. The systematic ordering allows the user to work through specific areas of treatment.

According to NICE Guideline NG136, patients requiring pharmacological treatment for hypertension can be divided into two main groups:

• Group 1
  • ALL patients (of any age or of any origin) with type 2 diabetes
  • Patients under the age of 55 years – who are NOT of Black African or African-Caribbean family origin

• Group 2
  • Patients who are 55 or over and who do not have type 2 diabetes
  • Patients of any age who are of Black African or African-Caribbean family origin and who do not have type 2 diabetes

The example exercises include exercises for the following:

• Example patients from both of the two main groups of patients listed above
• Example patients who may not need pharmacological treatment

Throughout an example exercise, the user can pull up useful background information. The user can pull up information about the stages of hypertension and the blood pressure measurements needed to diagnose a stage.

The user can also pull up background information about the treatment of hypertension. This covers information about:

• Who receives pharmacological treatment
• The stepped program, including what class of antihypertensive drug is recommended at each step of treatment