A patient newly diagnosed with left-sided heart failure is admitted to the hospital. The nurse will observe this patient closely for:

Choice A reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Constipation is a common side effect of opioid medications, which slow down the intestinal motility and cause hard stools.

Choice B reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood, which can be caused by diuretic medications, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, which increase the urine output and potassium excretion.

Choice C reason: This is an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Chronic cough is a dry, persistent cough that occurs in some patients taking ACE inhibitors, due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that causes inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract.

Choice D reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Nervousness is a common side effect of stimulant medications, such as caffeine or amphetamine, which increase the activity of the central nervous system and cause anxiety, agitation, and insomnia.

Choice A reason: This is not a physiological response to hydralazine. Cool extremities are a sign of poor peripheral perfusion, which can be caused by vasoconstriction, not vasodilation.

Choice B reason: This is not a physiological response to hydralazine. Increased urinary output is a sign of diuresis, which can be caused by diuretic medications, not vasodilators.

Choice C reason: This is not a physiological response to hydralazine. Pale skin is a sign of reduced blood flow to the skin, which can be caused by vasoconstriction, not vasodilation.

Choice D reason: This is a physiological response to hydralazine. Reflex tachycardia is a compensatory mechanism that occurs when the blood pressure drops due to vasodilation. The heart rate increases to maintain the cardiac output and perfusion pressure.