American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Certification Practice Test

Which of the following therapies is less effective for people of color when treating hypertension?

1. Thiazide diuretics

2. ACE inhibitors

3. Calcium channel blockers

4. Beta-blockers

The correct answer is: ACE inhibitors

When addressing hypertension in diverse populations, it is essential to understand how different medications may vary in efficacy based on genetic and physiological factors. ACE inhibitors are less effective in managing hypertension among people of color, particularly those of African descent, compared to other classes of antihypertensive medications. ACE inhibitors work by preventing the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, a substance in the body that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. However, studies have shown that individuals of African ancestry often have lower renin levels, which reduces the effectiveness of drugs targeting the renin-angiotensin system, like ACE inhibitors. In these populations, other medication classes, such as thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers, tend to demonstrate better results in controlling blood pressure. This pharmacogenetic variation highlights the importance of tailoring hypertension treatments to individual patient profiles, ensuring health care providers are aware of the population-specific responses to different antihypertensive therapies. By selecting medications that resonate more effectively with the patient's genetic makeup, clinicians can achieve more favorable outcomes in managing hypertension.