The nurse is explaining to a patient how ACE inhibitors affect blood pressure. Which statement accurately describes the action of this class of medication?

Choice A reason: ACE inhibitors do not primarily lower heart rate; they block angiotensin II formation, reducing vasoconstriction and blood pressure. Lowering heart rate is more characteristic of beta blockers, which decrease cardiac output. This statement is incorrect, as ACE inhibitors primarily affect vascular tone, not heart rate, in hypertension management. Choice B reason: ACE inhibitors block angiotensin-converting enzyme, preventing angiotensin II production, which inhibits vasoconstriction and reduces peripheral resistance. This lowers blood pressure by relaxing arterioles, improving blood flow. This mechanism is central to their antihypertensive effect, making this the accurate description of their action in managing hypertension. Choice C reason: Increasing peripheral resistance would raise blood pressure, counteracting the goal of hypertension treatment. ACE inhibitors reduce peripheral resistance by inhibiting vasoconstriction, lowering blood pressure. This statement is incorrect, as it contradicts the vasodilatory effect of ACE inhibitors, which is essential for their therapeutic role in hypertension. Choice D reason: ACE inhibitors promote sodium excretion by reducing aldosterone production, not retention. Sodium retention increases blood volume and pressure, opposing their antihypertensive effect. This statement is incorrect, as ACE inhibitors decrease blood volume through natriuresis, contributing to blood pressure reduction in patients with hypertension.