Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which anti-hypertensive agent is most appropriate to add for a patient whose blood pressure remains above goal while on existing medications?

1. Amlodipine

2. Doxazosin

3. Furosemide

4. Hydralazine

The correct answer is: Amlodipine

The most appropriate choice for adding an anti-hypertensive agent in this scenario is amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that effectively lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more easily. It is particularly useful in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on their current regimen and can be combined safely with many other antihypertensive agents. When considering the existing medications a patient may be on, amlodipine can enhance blood pressure control without significantly increasing the risk of adverse effects, making it a favorable option. It also has the added benefit of being well-tolerated in various patient populations, including those with conditions like diabetes or heart disease. The other options, while having their own roles in managing specific types of hypertension or related conditions, might not be as broadly effective or appropriate in this context. Doxazosin, for instance, primarily targets alpha-1 adrenergic receptors and is often used more selectively in cases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia; its use in hypertension is generally reserved and not as first-line. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, is mainly used in cases of fluid overload or heart failure rather than as a primary agent for