A client presents to the healthcare setting after beginning treatment with an Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. Which of the following side- effects will the nurse be sure to assess for?
Dry, non-productive cough
Nausea and vomiting
Hypokalemia and vomiting
Epistaxis and headache
The Correct Answer is A
A) Dry, non-productive cough: One of the most common side effects associated with ACE inhibitors is a dry, non-productive cough. This occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can increase in the body when ACE is inhibited. Nurses should assess for this symptom, as it may require changing the medication if it becomes bothersome to the client.
B) Nausea and vomiting: While nausea and vomiting can occur with various medications, they are not specific or common side effects of ACE inhibitors. If these symptoms do arise, they may be due to other factors and should be investigated further.
C) Hypokalemia and vomiting: ACE inhibitors are more commonly associated with hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels) rather than hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is important, but vomiting is not a typical side effect of ACE inhibitors.
D) Epistaxis and headache: Although headaches can occur with many medications, epistaxis (nosebleeds) is not a common side effect associated with ACE inhibitors. While headache assessment is appropriate, the dry cough is the more characteristic and important symptom to monitor in clients on these medications.
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View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "Increase your potassium intake by eating more bananas and apricots.": Doxazosin is not a potassium-sparing medication, and there is no specific indication for increased potassium intake with this drug. This advice may be misleading, especially since excessive
potassium can pose risks, particularly in certain populations.
B) "Weigh yourself daily, and report any weight loss to your prescriber.": Daily weighing can be important for monitoring fluid retention in some conditions, but weight loss is not a common side effect of doxazosin. Instead, clients should be more concerned about weight gain due to fluid retention or potential side effects from the medication.
C) "The impaired taste associated with this medication usually goes away in 2 to 3 weeks.": Impaired taste is not a well-documented side effect of doxazosin. While some medications may cause changes in taste, this statement is not relevant for doxazosin and does not address the most critical aspects of its administration.
D) "Be sure to lie down after taking the first dose, because first-dose hypotension may make you dizzy.": This statement is accurate and important. Doxazosin can cause first-dose hypotension, leading to dizziness or fainting. Advising the client to lie down after the first dose helps mitigate the risk of hypotensive effects, making this the most appropriate emphasis for the nurse.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Carvedilol: While carvedilol is a beta-blocker that can be used to treat hypertension, it is not considered a first-line treatment. Beta-blockers are typically used when other first-line agents are not effective or in specific situations such as heart failure or ischemic heart disease.
B) Lisinopril: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor and is considered a first-line treatment for hypertension. It effectively reduces blood pressure by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme, leading to vasodilation and decreased blood volume. Its well-documented efficacy and favorable side effect profile make it a common choice for initial therapy.
C) Clonidine: Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that can lower blood pressure but is generally not used as a first-line treatment due to its side effects and potential for rebound hypertension if discontinued abruptly.
D) Doxazosin: Doxazosin is an alpha-1 blocker that can be used to treat hypertension but is not typically a first-line choice. It may be used in specific cases, such as in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, but other classes of medications are usually preferred for initial hypertension treatment.