For a patient with diabetes and elevated blood pressure after lifestyle modifications, which medication is appropriate for the family nurse practitioner to prescribe?

Enalapril is an appropriate choice for a patient with diabetes and elevated blood pressure due to its specific benefits for individuals with this condition. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like enalapril have been shown to provide renal protection, which is crucial for diabetic patients, as they are at increased risk of developing diabetic nephropathy. By decreasing the pressure in the glomeruli of the kidneys, enalapril helps prevent the progression of kidney damage.

Furthermore, ACE inhibitors also have a favorable effect on blood pressure management and reduce cardiovascular risk, which is particularly important for patients with diabetes who frequently have comorbid hypertension. This aligns well with the goal of achieving optimal blood pressure control to mitigate complications associated with both diabetes and hypertension.

In contrast, the other medications listed, while they may have their own therapeutic uses, do not provide the same protective benefits for diabetic nephropathy or comprehensive management of hypertension in the context of diabetes. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that could be utilized for fluid overload but does not specifically target the underlying issues faced by diabetic patients. Hydrochlorothiazide, a thiazide diuretic, is effective for hypertension but does not offer the renal protective benefits. Pro