American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Practice Exam

Diuretics are often considered a first-line treatment for hypertension due to their ability to effectively lower blood pressure by promoting the excretion of sodium and water through the kidneys, which reduces blood volume. This mechanism helps decrease cardiac output and overall vascular resistance, leading to lower blood pressure levels.

Diuretics, especially thiazide diuretics, have a well-established track record in clinical trials demonstrating their efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events and mortality in hypertensive patients. They are often recommended as initial therapy in various hypertension guidelines because of their reliability, cost-effectiveness, and the additional benefit of helping to avoid complications associated with hypertension.

In contrast, while beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are important in the management of hypertension, they are typically not identified as first-line agents in many treatment guidelines, particularly for patients without concurrent conditions that may specifically benefit from these medications, such as heart failure or coronary artery disease. Understanding the current guidelines is crucial for effective hypertension management and ensuring optimal patient outcomes.