A client with a history of hypertension who was prescribed Captopril complains of a chronic dry cough for the past several weeks. Which of the following actions should the nurse recommend?
The client should report to an urgent care for potential hypokalemia.
The client should immediately use an epinephrine auto- injector (Epi-Pen) and call 9-1-1
The client should contact their provider, who may switch them to a different medication
The client should stop taking the Lisinopril immediately.
The Correct Answer is C
A. The client should report to an urgent care for potential hypokalemia:
While ACE inhibitors like Captopril can increase potassium levels (hyperkalemia) due to their effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, they are not typically associated with hypokalemia. The client's complaint of a dry cough is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors, not an indication of low potassium levels. Therefore, the recommendation to seek urgent care for hypokalemia is not appropriate in this case.
B. The client should immediately use an epinephrine auto-injector (Epi-Pen) and call 9-1-1:
The use of an epinephrine auto-injector is specifically indicated for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), which typically present with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or anaphylactic shock. A chronic dry cough associated with the use of Captopril is not indicative of an allergic reaction, but rather a known adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Therefore, this response is inappropriate for the situation described.
C. The client should contact their provider, who may switch them to a different medication:
A chronic dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like Captopril, occurring in some individuals due to the accumulation of bradykinin. If the cough is bothersome, the best course of action is for the client to contact their healthcare provider. The provider may consider switching the patient to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which does not typically cause this side effect. This is the most appropriate and safe action.
D. The client should stop taking the Lisinopril immediately:
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor, similar to Captopril, and shares the same potential side effects, including a chronic dry cough. However, the client should not stop taking their medication without consulting their healthcare provider. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can result in uncontrolled hypertension and other risks. The correct course of action is to contact the provider to discuss possible alternatives, not to stop the medication independently.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "Encourage strict bed rest with turning and repositioning every 2 hours":
. For clients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), strict bed rest is not recommended unless the client is in severe pain or experiencing complications like ulcers or gangrene. In PAD, exercise and mobility are essential for improving blood flow and reducing symptoms. Prolonged immobility could worsen circulation and lead to complications like muscle atrophy. Therefore, encouraging gentle movement and activity, like walking or repositioning, is typically more beneficial than prolonged bed rest.
B) "Have the client 'dangle' their legs several times per day and when pain occurs":
. For clients with PAD, dangling the legs can be helpful in alleviating pain and discomfort. When the client dangles their legs, gravity helps to increase blood flow to the lower extremities, which can provide temporary relief from symptoms like intermittent claudication (pain caused by insufficient blood flow). It is important to balance this with the advice to avoid elevating the legs, as elevating them above the heart level may decrease arterial perfusion, worsening symptoms.
C) "Have the client elevate their legs above heart level when pain occurs":
. Elevating the legs above the heart level in clients with PAD may worsen symptoms. In PAD, blood flow to the legs is already compromised, and elevating the legs above the heart can further reduce arterial blood flow to the lower extremities, increasing pain and discomfort. Instead, dangling the legs or lying flat with the legs at heart level is generally better for improving circulation.
D) "Have the client use ice packs to relieve lower extremity pain":
. Applying ice packs is not recommended for clients with PAD, as cold can cause vasoconstriction, further reducing blood flow to already compromised tissues. Cold therapy may increase pain and lead to tissue damage in individuals with reduced circulation. The nurse should instead focus on strategies that promote blood flow, such as encouraging gentle exercise, dangling the legs, or using warmth (in some cases) to improve circulation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Have the client use the call light if they need to get up":
This is an appropriate precaution to promote safety for a patient who has seizures. It is important to encourage patients to call for assistance before getting up, especially if they are at risk for seizures. Having the patient use the call light ensures that they do not try to walk or move without supervision, which could lead to falls or injury.
B. "Pad the side rails of the client’s bed":
This is also an appropriate precaution. Padding the side rails of the bed is a common safety measure for patients who are at risk for seizures. The padding helps prevent injury if the patient moves during a seizure. Side rails should be raised during a seizure to prevent the patient from falling out of bed, but the risk of injury from the side rails themselves is minimized with padding.
C. "Ensure the lights in the room are as bright as possible at all times":
This is not an appropriate precaution. Bright lights in the room could potentially cause overstimulation, which may be a trigger for seizures in some patients. In addition, bright lights could contribute to discomfort and anxiety. Instead, the room should be kept at a comfortable, calm lighting level to help reduce stress and minimize the risk of triggering a seizure.
D. "Avoid over stimulation and excessive activity in the client’s room":
This is an appropriate precaution. Avoiding overstimulation is important for patients with seizure disorders. Excessive noise, bright lights, or other sources of stress or agitation could provoke a seizure. A calm, quiet environment helps to promote safety and reduce the risk of a seizure occurring.
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