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.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
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 D
Explanation
A. "Depending on the level of your PT/INR, the clot will begin to dissolve.": This response is misleading, as heparin's effect is not primarily monitored by PT/INR; rather, heparin is monitored by activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Moreover, heparin does not directly dissolve clots; it prevents further clot formation.
B. "After the first dose, the clot will begin to dissolve.": This statement inaccurately suggests that heparin has an immediate effect on dissolving existing clots. While heparin acts quickly to inhibit further clotting, it does not lead to the dissolution of clots after the first dose.
C. "It usually takes heparin at least 2 to 3 days to reach a therapeutic blood level.": This is not accurate for heparin, which has an immediate effect on coagulation. While the therapeutic effects can be optimized over several days, heparin begins to work right away to prevent further clotting.
D. "Heparin does not dissolve clots. It stops new clots from forming.": This response accurately describes the mechanism of action of heparin. Heparin prevents the extension of existing clots and the formation of new clots, but it does not actively dissolve clots. This clarification is essential for the client’s understanding of their treatment and expectations regarding DVT management.