A nurse is teaching a client who has heart failure and is prescribed captopril. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? (Select all that apply.).

Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is used to treat heart failure by lowering blood pressure and reducing the workload on the heart.

The nurse should include the following instructions when teaching a client who is prescribed captopril:

• Avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium.Captopril can increase the potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to hyperkalemia.Salt substitutes that contain potassium can further increase the risk of hyperkalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness.

• Report any dry cough to the provider.A dry cough is a common side effect of captopril and other ACE inhibitors.It is caused by the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that dilates blood vessels and causes inflammation in the lungs.

The cough can be annoying and interfere with sleep and quality of life.The provider may switch the client to another type of medication if the cough is bothersome.

• Take the medication on an empty stomach.Food can decrease the absorption and effectiveness of captopril.The client should take the medication at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

• Rise slowly from a sitting or lying position.Captopril can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions.

This can lead to dizziness, fainting, and falls.The client should rise slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a few minutes before standing up.

Choice D is wrong because drinking at least 3 L of fluids per day is not recommended for clients with heart failure.

Excessive fluid intake can worsen the symptoms of heart failure, such as edema, shortness of breath, and fatigue.The client should limit fluid intake to 2 L or less per day, unless instructed otherwise by the provider.

The correct answer is choice B. “I can walk farther without getting tired.” This statement indicates a therapeutic effect of metoprolol, which is a beta-blocker that reduces the heart rate, blood pressure, and the workload of the heart.This helps to improve the blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart and other organs, and reduces the symptoms of heart failure such as fatigue, dyspnea, and edema.

Choice A is wrong because “I have less swelling in my ankles.” This statement indicates a possible effect of a diuretic, which is a medication that reduces fluid retention and edema by increasing urine output.Metoprolol does not have a direct diuretic effect, although it may indirectly reduce fluid accumulation by improving cardiac function.

Choice C is wrong because “I don’t have chest pain anymore.” This statement indicates a possible effect of a nitrate, which is a medication that dilates the blood vessels and reduces the oxygen demand of the heart.Metoprolol may also help to prevent or treat angina by lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, but it is not the primary medication for chest pain relief.

Choice D is wrong because “I can breathe better at night.” This statement indicates a possible effect of an oxygen therapy, which is a treatment that delivers supplemental oxygen to the lungs and improves gas exchange.Metoprolol may also help to reduce dyspnea by improving cardiac function and reducing pulmonary congestion, but it is not the primary treatment for respiratory distress.