Which of the following drugs block the action of angiotensin II?

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) specifically target and block the receptors for angiotensin II, a potent vasoconstrictor that plays a critical role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. By inhibiting the action of angiotensin II at its receptors, ARBs help to relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the workload on the heart. This class of medications is commonly used in the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, making them effective in preventing the physiological effects that angiotensin II would otherwise have, such as vasoconstriction and increased aldosterone secretion.

Diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers, while also used in managing hypertension and heart conditions, operate through different mechanisms that do not directly block the action of angiotensin II. Diuretics promote the excretion of sodium and water to lower blood volume, calcium channel blockers inhibit calcium influx to relax vascular smooth muscle, and beta blockers mainly work by diminishing the effects of adrenaline. Therefore, ARBs are the specific drugs designed to block the action of angiotensin II itself.