A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for lisinopril.
For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor when administering lisinopril?

Lisinopril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and  oxygen to the heart. However, one of the common side effects of lisinopril is hypotension, which  means low blood pressure. Hypotension can cause dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up  suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure when  administering lisinopril and report any signs of hypotension to the doctor. 

Choice A is wrong because tinnitus, which means ringing or buzzing in the ears,  is not a common or serious side effect of lisinopril. 

Tinnitus can be caused by other factors such as ear infections, loud noises, or  medications such as aspirin or antibiotics. 

Choice C is wrong because hypokalemia, which means low potassium levels in  the blood, is not a common or serious side effect of lisinopril. In fact, lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia, which means high potassium levels in  the blood, especially in patients with kidney problems or diabetes. Hyperkalemia can cause irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, or numbness. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client’s potassium levels when  administering lisinopril and avoid giving potassium supplements or salt  substitutes that contain potassium. 

Choice D is wrong because bradycardia, which means slow heart rate, is not a  common or serious side effect of lisinopril. 

Lisinopril does not affect the heart rate directly, but it can lower the blood  pressure and improve the heart function. 

Bradycardia can be caused by other factors such as heart block, sinus node  dysfunction, or medications such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers.