A patient has three consecutive blood pressure readings of 140/95 mm Hg. The patient's body mass index is 24. A fasting plasma glucose is 100 mg/dL. Creatinine clearance and cholesterol tests are normal. The primary care NP should order:

a. an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor.
b. a b-blocker.
c. a thiazide diuretic.
d. dietary and lifestyle changes.