Which medication is a diuretic commonly used to treat hypertension?

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Multiple Choice

Which medication is a diuretic commonly used to treat hypertension?

The important idea is how a diuretic lowers blood pressure by reducing fluid volume. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that blocks NaCl reabsorption in the distal tubule, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water. This diuresis lowers plasma volume and, over time, helps decrease peripheral vascular resistance, resulting in lower blood pressure. The other medications work by different mechanisms: one inhibits the formation of angiotensin II, another blocks its receptor, and the last is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes arterial muscles. Because the question asks for a diuretic used to treat hypertension, hydrochlorothiazide is the best choice.

The important idea is how a diuretic lowers blood pressure by reducing fluid volume. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that blocks NaCl reabsorption in the distal tubule, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water. This diuresis lowers plasma volume and, over time, helps decrease peripheral vascular resistance, resulting in lower blood pressure. The other medications work by different mechanisms: one inhibits the formation of angiotensin II, another blocks its receptor, and the last is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes arterial muscles. Because the question asks for a diuretic used to treat hypertension, hydrochlorothiazide is the best choice.

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