What medication is likely prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus showing signs of nephropathy?

The medication most commonly prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus who is showing signs of nephropathy is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. This class of medication plays a vital role in renal protection for individuals with diabetes. ACE inhibitors work by relaxing blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure and decreases the workload on the kidneys. They also help prevent further decline in renal function and can slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

In addition to their effects on blood pressure, ACE inhibitors provide renal protective effects by reducing proteinuria (excess protein in urine), which is a common indicator of kidney damage in diabetic patients. By controlling both blood pressure and protein loss, ACE inhibitors contribute to better long-term outcomes for patients with diabetic nephropathy.

The other choices, while useful in different contexts, do not have the same renal protective benefits in diabetic nephropathy. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are primarily used for pain and inflammation but can adversely affect renal function and are not indicated for diabetic nephropathy management. Thiazide diuretics focus on fluid management and hypertension but do not provide the same protective effect on the kidneys as ACE inhibitors. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory but are not suitable for treating diabetic nephropathy