Certified Dialysis Nurse Practice Test

Hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are intricately linked, where hypertension plays a dual role in the chronic disease progression. When hypertension is present, it can cause damage to the blood vessels within the kidneys, leading to a decline in kidney function over time. This deterioration occurs because the high pressure in the blood vessels can cause scarring and hardening, eventually leading to reduced kidney efficiency and potential failure.

Conversely, CKD can also contribute to the development of hypertension. As kidney function declines, the body's ability to balance fluids and regulate blood volume is impaired, often leading to increased blood pressure. This creates a cyclical relationship where hypertension contributes to the worsening of CKD, and CKD can exacerbate hypertension.

Understanding this relationship is crucial in managing patients with CKD, as controlling blood pressure can help preserve kidney function and potentially slow the progression of the disease. This dual nature of hypertension, acting as both a cause and a consequence of chronic kidney conditions, is why the statement that describes this complex interaction is considered the most accurate.