The Daily PANCE and PANRE Question 41

A patient at a Christmas party on a cruise ship develops a terrible headache. His blood pressure is 224/158 mm Hg. Which of the following agents is this patient most likely taking regularly?

  1. tricyclic antidepressants
  2. barbiturates
  3. benzodiazepines
  4. monoamine oxidase inhibitors
  5. phenothiazines

Answer: D

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

This is a typical scenario for MAOI induced malignant hypertension from eating the "wrong" foods, which are frequently found on a Christmas buffet, (cheese, sausages, red wine, etc).

Know Your Content Blueprint

Malignant hypertension is covered in the NCCPA™ Content Blueprint Cardiology (16%)

Learn more about malignant hypertension and other hypertensive emergencies at SMARTY PANCE Retinal Hypertensive Emergencies