The nurse is assigning care of a client with prostatitis to a practical nurse (PN). Which instruction should the nurse provide the PN regarding this client?

Choice A: Increasing oral fluids may help with hydration, but it will not reduce skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE. inhibitor that dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Flushing occurs due to increased blood flow to the skin.

Choice B: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and reduces chest pain caused by angina. It is not indicated for skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Moreover, nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure further and cause hypotension, headache, dizziness, and fainting.

Choice C: Going to an emergency department is not necessary for skin flushing caused by lisinopril. Flushing is not a sign of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, which would require immediate medical attention. Flushing is also not a symptom of a heart attack or stroke, which would present with other signs such as chest pain, shortness of breath, arm numbness, or slurred speech.

Choice D: Reassuring the client that facial flushing is a common side effect of lisinopril is the best action for the nurse to take. Flushing is not harmful or dangerous, and it usually subsides within a few hours. The nurse should explain the mechanism of action of lisinopril and its benefits for lowering blood pressure and preventing angina. The nurse should also advise the client to monitor his blood pressure regularly and report any signs of hypotension, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.

The correct answer is A, B, C, and D.

Choice A reason: Flushing the gastrostomy tube with water is essential to maintain tube patency and prevent medication interactions. It should be done before and after medication administration. The typical amount of water used for flushing can range from 15 to 30 mL.

Choice B reason: Administering each medication separately is a critical practice to prevent drug interactions and ensure that the full dose of each medication is delivered. It also helps in preventing the clogging of the tube.

Choice C reason: Documenting all liquid volumes, including medications and water used for flushing, is important for accurate fluid intake records. This helps in maintaining fluid balance and monitoring the patient’s hydration status.

Choice D reason: Checking gastric residual volume is important to assess the patient’s tolerance to enteral feeding and to prevent complications such as aspiration. Normal gastric residual volumes are generally considered to be less than 250 mL.

Choice E reason: Using a plunger to administer medications through a gastrostomy tube is not always recommended. Medications should be administered slowly to prevent discomfort or harm, and the use of a plunger is not a standard practice across all healthcare settings.