Which administration strategy can a patient implement to reduce flushing, the most common adverse effect of niacin therapy?

This is a mnemonic to remember the common suffix of drugs that block the beta receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and reduce chest pain. For example, metoprolol, atenolol, and propranolol are beta blockers.

Choice A is wrong because calcium channel blockers do not end in DIPINE.

Calcium channel blockers are drugs that block the entry of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessels, which can relax the blood vessels and lower blood pressure.

Some calcium channel blockers end in DIPINE, such as amlodipine and nifedipine, but not all of them.

For example, verapamil and diltiazem are also calcium channel blockers.

Choice C is wrong because ACE inhibitors do not end in ZoSIN.

ACE inhibitors are drugs that inhibit the enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which can lower blood pressure and prevent heart failure.

ACE inhibitors usually end in PRIL, such as lisinopril, enalapril, and captopril.

Choice D is wrong because angiotensin II receptor blockers do not end in STATIN.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers are drugs that block the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers usually end in SARTAN, such as losartan, valsartan, and irbesartan.

The normal range for blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.

The normal range for heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Food high in potassium should be avoided for clients taking ACE inhibitors. ACE inhibitors are drugs that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, which is a potent vasoconstrictor and also stimulates the secretion of aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that increases the reabsorption of sodium and water and the excretion of potassium in the kidneys. By inhibiting angiotensin II, ACE inhibitors lower blood pressure and reduce the loss of potassium. However, this can also lead to hyperkalemia, which is a high level of potassium in the blood that can cause cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness.Therefore, clients taking ACE inhibitors should limit their intake of foods that are rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, beans, nuts, and salt substitutes.

Choice B is wrong because a low sodium diet is recommended for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

A low sodium diet can help lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention, which are beneficial effects for clients with hypertension, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease.A low-potassium diet should aim for potassium intake of less than 50 or 75 mmol/day and sodium intake of less than 60 mmol/day for hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease.

Choice C is wrong because adequate fluid intake is not contraindicated for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

Adequate fluid intake can help prevent dehydration and maintain kidney function, especially in patients with diabetes or nephropathy.However, excessive fluid intake may worsen heart failure or edema in some patients, so fluid intake should be individualized and monitored according to the patient’s condition and response to therapy.

Choice D is wrong because foods low in potassium are not harmful for clients taking ACE inhibitors.

Foods low in potassium do not affect the serum potassium level or the risk of hyperkalemia in clients taking ACE inhibitors.However, foods low in potassium may not provide enough dietary potassium for normal cellular functions, so a balanced diet that includes moderate amounts of potassium-rich foods is advisable.