Pharmacology and Nursing Process Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

ACE inhibitors and ARBs both work in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) to help lower blood pressure. However, the key difference in their mechanism of action is that ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, whereas ARBs do not have an effect on this conversion. Angiotensin II is a hormone that causes vasoconstriction and retention of sodium and water, ultimately leading to an increase in blood pressure.

Options B, C, and D are incorrect because they are either false (B and D) or do not provide a key difference in the mechanism of action (C). While it is true that ARBs may increase serum potassium levels, this is not a key difference as ACE inhibitors can also cause an increase in potassium levels. Additionally, both ACE inhibitors and ARBs can be used to treat