A nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is taking chlorpromazine. Which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic effect medication?

A) Withhold the medication if pulse rate is less than 60/min: Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, primarily affects blood pressure and does not typically require withholding based on pulse rate alone. Withholding enalapril is not recommended unless instructed by the healthcare provider for other reasons, such as a significant drop in blood pressure. The issue at hand is likely related to orthostatic hypotension rather than pulse rate.

B) Increase dietary potassium: Enalapril can increase potassium levels in the blood due to its effect on the renin-angiotensin system, potentially leading to hyperkalemia. Clients should avoid excessive potassium intake, especially through supplements or potassium-rich foods, unless advised by their healthcare provider. Increasing potassium may exacerbate any existing risks.

C) Decrease daily fluid intake: Decreasing fluid intake is not a recommended intervention for managing syncope related to enalapril. In fact, reducing fluid intake can exacerbate dehydration or low blood pressure, potentially worsening symptoms. Adequate hydration is typically important for managing blood pressure and syncope risk.

D) Rise slowly from a sitting position to a standing position: This is the most appropriate
advice. Enalapril can cause orthostatic hypotension, a condition in which blood pressure drops when changing positions (such as from sitting to standing). This can lead to dizziness or syncope. Rising slowly from a sitting position helps prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure and reduces the risk of fainting. Clients should be instructed to take this precaution until the body adjusts to the medication’s effects.

A) "The client fell because the assistive personnel did not place nonskid slippers on the client.": This statement assigns blame to a specific individual (assistive personnel) for the fall, which is not appropriate for documentation. The nurse should focus on factual, objective information rather than assigning blame. Statements that imply fault without proper evidence or investigation should be avoided in medical records.

B) *Client stated, "I lost my balance and fell when I got out of bed to go to the bathroom.'": This statement accurately reflects the client’s account of the incident, which is a critical part of the documentation. The nurse should include the client’s own words when describing the event, as it provides essential context and ensures that the record is clear and unbiased. This statement is objective and factual.

C) "The client does not appear to have any injuries resulting from the fall.": While it’s important to assess for injuries, this statement could be too vague. The nurse should document a detailed assessment of the client’s physical condition post-fall, including any injuries, signs, or symptoms of injury. It is important to be thorough and specific in documenting the client's condition after the fall.

D) "An incident report has been completed and sent to risk management.": This information should not be included in the medical record. Incident reports are separate documents that are used for internal review and safety improvement purposes. Including this information in the medical record could lead to confusion and may not be relevant to the clinical care of the client.