The nurse works in a clinic that has many African American patients. What would the nurse need to consider when caring for patients with hypertension? (Select all that apply.)

Question

A) African American men are at highest risk for hypertension.
B) African Americans respond best to single-drug therapy.
C) African Americans are most responsive to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
D) Increased adverse effects occur when using thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics.
E) First-line use of a calcium channel blocker with changes to lifestyle is best in African Americans.

Answer 1

A, B, D
Feedback:
In the United States, African Americans are at highest risk for developing hypertension, with men more likely than women to develop the disease. African Americans are most responsive to single-drug therapy (as opposed to combination drug regimens). African Americans are less responsive to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and beta-blockers. Increased adverse effects (e.g., depression, fatigue, drowsiness) often occur when using thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics. Because African Americans are more responsive to diuretics, the treatment approach should include the first-line use of a diuretic in combination with diet and other lifestyle changes.