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: An early morning headache is not the most common side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril is a drug that lowers blood pressure and prevents the complications of heart failure. ¹ It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. ¹ Headache is a possible side effect of lisinopril, but it is not very frequent or specific to this drug. ²

Choice B reason: Occasional nausea is not the most common side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril is a drug that lowers the blood pressure and prevents the complications of heart failure. ¹ It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. ¹ Nausea is a possible side effect of lisinopril, but it is not very frequent or specific to this drug. ²

Choice C reason: A chronic cough is the most common side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril is a drug that lowers the blood pressure and prevents the complications of heart failure. ¹ It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. ¹ However, ACE inhibitors can also cause a dry, persistent cough that does not go away with time or treatment. ² This cough is due to the accumulation of a substance called bradykinin in the lungs, which irritates the airways and triggers the cough reflex. ³ The cough can be annoying and interfere with the quality of life of the client, but it is not harmful or dangerous. ²

Choice D reason: A dry mouth after eating is not the most common side effect of lisinopril. Lisinopril is a drug that lowers the blood pressure and prevents the complications of heart failure. ¹ It belongs to a class of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which work by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart. ¹ Dry mouth is a possible side effect of lisinopril, but it is not very frequent or specific to this drug. ² Dry mouth can be caused by many factors, such as dehydration, medication, or disease. It can be relieved by drinking water, chewing gum, or using saliva substitutes.

Choice A reason: Increasing calcium in the diet is not the most important instruction for a client with hypertension. Calcium is a mineral that helps maintain bone health and muscle contraction, but it does not have a significant effect on blood pressure. The nurse should advise the client to limit sodium, fat, and alcohol intake, and to eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Choice B reason: Obtaining blood pressure checks twice a year is not the most important instruction for a client with hypertension. This frequency is too low for a client who has a chronic condition that requires close monitoring and treatment. The nurse should advise the client to check their blood pressure regularly, preferably at home, and to report any abnormal readings to their health care provider.

Choice C reason: Monitoring weight on a weekly basis is not the most important instruction for a client with hypertension. Weight is a factor that can influence blood pressure, but it is not the only one. The nurse should advise the client to maintain a healthy weight and to lose weight if they are overweight or obese, but not to focus on the scale alone.

Choice D reason: Getting regular physical activity is the most important instruction for a client with hypertension. Physical activity can lower blood pressure by strengthening the heart, improving blood circulation, reducing stress, and preventing or managing other risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The nurse should advise the client to engage in moderate aerobic exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, and to consult their health care provider before starting any new exercise program.