This question-specific review guide is tied to the answer reasoning for a PracticeTestVault item. Use it after you answer the question so the review stays focused on what the prompt actually tested.
What this question is testing
Objective: Therapeutics: HTN
Prompt focus: For a 60-year-old African American patient with stage 2 hypertension and no compelling indications, the preferred initial antihypertensive class is:
Why the correct answer works
Thiazide diuretic or CCB
Thiazide or CCB preferred.
Why the tempting wrong answer fails
Incorrect. Beta blockers are not first-line for uncomplicated hypertension.
Plain-language takeaway
JNC 8 and AHA guidelines recommend thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers as initial therapy in Black patients without compelling indications because ACE inhibitors and ARBs are less effective as monotherapy in this population.
Simple analogy
Think of therapeutics: htn like following a short checklist: identify the clue, confirm the rule, and then make the move that fits this exact scenario.
How to review it before a retake
- Underline the command word and name what the question is asking before rereading the choices.
- Compare the correct answer against the closest distractor and write the exact detail that separates them.
- Retest this objective with a fresh question without looking at the rationale first.