Final answer:
OPTION C.Nitroprusside is the correct drug used in severe hypertensive emergencies because it is short-acting and has an immediate effect on the arteries, which is essential to manage a hypertensive crisis like the one described in the scenario.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the management of a hypertensive emergency in a 45-year-old man, which is a high-risk condition that requires immediate medical attention. Among the options provided, C) Nitroprusside is the correct answer, as it is a fast-acting antihypertensive drug that directly vasodilates arterial blood vessels. This medication helps reduce the blood pressure quickly, mitigating the risk of further damage from excessively high blood pressure, such as the retinal hemorrhages and mental confusion the patient is experiencing.
It is important to use a short-acting medication in these circumstances, as it allows for the careful titration of blood pressure to avoid rapid drops that could potentially lead to ischemia. Other options like A) Propranolol, a beta-blocker, and D) Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, are not appropriate for immediate crisis management, although they may be used in long-term management of hypertension. B) Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic and is not appropriate for acute crisis management due to its slower onset of action.