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Hypertension follow-up — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModerateAmbulatory Medicine / Primary CareHypertension follow-upUSMLE Step 3

A 60-year-old man returns 1 month after starting amlodipine for hypertension. Home blood pressures average 132/78 mm Hg. He has mild bilateral ankle edema but no dyspnea, orthopnea, proteinuria, or heart failure history. Which of the following would you recommend at the follow-up visit?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Continue therapy and discuss edema management or dose adjustment if bothersome

Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers commonly cause dose-related peripheral edema; management depends on severity and blood pressure response.

Reference: ACC/AHA cardiovascular prevention and hypertension guidance: https://www.heart.org/