Select the 2 actions the nurse should prepare to take for the client.

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 should use a hair dryer on a warm setting to relieve itching inside the cast.": Using a hair dryer on a warm setting to relieve itching inside the cast is not recommended because it could potentially lead to burns or skin irritation. The client should avoid inserting objects inside the cast to scratch, as this could damage the skin or cause an infection.


B) "The client can shower with the cast after 24 hr.": A plaster cast is not waterproof, and the client should avoid getting it wet. Although the cast may feel dry on the outside after 24 hours, it typically takes about 48 hours or longer for a plaster cast to fully dry and harden. Showering with a plaster cast is not safe, as moisture could cause skin irritation or lead to the development of sores or infection.

C) "The client’s extremity should be elevated after the cast is applied.": Elevating the extremity after a cast is applied is a key teaching point to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. This is especially important during the first 24 to 48 hours after cast application. Elevation helps to prevent or manage swelling, which can be a common complication after an injury and cast application.

D) "The client should keep the cast covered until it is dry.": While it is important to keep a cast clean and dry during the drying process, the cast should not be covered with plastic or other materials that could trap moisture. The cast needs air circulation to dry properly, and covering it could lead to the cast becoming too moist, increasing the risk of skin issues or infection.