The nurse is working collaboratively with the physical therapist to develop an exercise program for a client recently diagnosed with hypertension. Which intervention would be best to assist the client in maintaining the exercise program?

Choice A reason: The client had an allergic reaction to losartan, a drug that belongs to the class of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). ¹ Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, and face, as well as difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and shock. ² The client needs immediate medical attention and treatment with oxygen, fluids, and epinephrine. ³

Choice B reason: The client did not have an expected side effect of the medication. Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to constrict and retain salt and water. ¹ Some common side effects of losartan include dizziness, headache, fatigue, cough, and nausea. ⁴ Anaphylaxis is not a common or expected side effect of losartan, but a rare and serious adverse reaction.

Choice C reason: The client should not have a prescription change to enalapril. Enalapril is another drug that lowers blood pressure and heart failure, but it belongs to the class of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ⁵ ACE inhibitors and ARBs have similar mechanisms of action and effects, but they differ in how they block the angiotensin system. However, both classes of drugs can cause allergic reactions and anaphylaxis in some people, especially those who have a history of allergy to either drug. The client should avoid both ACE inhibitors and ARBs and use another type of blood pressure medication.

Choice D reason: The client should not avoid taking the medication with food. Food does not affect the absorption or effectiveness of losartan. ⁴ The client can take the medication with or without food, as directed by the provider. However, the client should avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they can interact with losartan and increase the risk of side effects.

Choice A reason: The nurse would include the question of whether the client ever uses oxygen, as this can be related to erythema. Erythema is a condition where the skin becomes red and inflamed due to increased blood flow or irritation. ¹ One possible cause of erythema is oxygen toxicity, which is a condition where the lungs and tissues are damaged by exposure to high levels of oxygen. ² The nurse would ask the client if they ever use oxygen, especially at high concentrations or for long periods of time, as this can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity and erythema.

Choice B reason: The nurse would not include the question of how many pillows the client sleeps on, as this is not related to erythema. The number of pillows the client sleeps on may indicate the presence of other conditions, such as sleep apnea, acid reflux, or heart failure, but not erythema. ³ The nurse would ask the client about their sleeping habits and preferences, but not specifically about the number of pillows they use.

Choice C reason: The nurse would not include the question of whether the client feels rested after sleeping, as this is not related to erythema. The feeling of restfulness after sleeping may indicate the quality and quantity of sleep the client gets, which can affect their overall health and well-being, but not erythema. The nurse would ask the client about their sleep patterns and problems, but not specifically about their feeling of restfulness.

Choice D reason: The nurse would not include the question of how far the client can walk before feeling short of breath, as this is not related to erythema. The distance the client can walk before feeling short of breath may indicate the level of physical activity and fitness the client has, which can affect their cardiovascular and respiratory health, but not erythema. The nurse would ask the client about their exercise habits and limitations, but not specifically about their walking distance.