In acute HF treatment, which statement about vasodilatory therapy is listed?

• A. Hospitalization
• B. IV diuresis
• C. Nesiritide recombinant human BNP
• D. Nitrates and vasodilation

Answer: (D)

Vasodilators in acute heart failure work by lowering both preload and afterload, which unloads the failing heart, reduces pulmonary congestion, and can improve forward blood flow. Nitrates provide rapid venodilation, lowering LV filling pressures and, at higher doses, afterload as well. This quick reduction in filling pressures directly relieves dyspnea and pulmonary edema and is a central, practical approach when the patient’s blood pressure can tolerate the drop. The other options aren’t vasodilator therapies: hospitalization is a setting, IV diuresis targets fluid overload rather than vasodilation, and while nesiritide is a vasodilator, nitrates are the classic, commonly used vasodilator in acute decompensation.