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Increase your fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation: Lisinopril is not associated with constipation as a common adverse effect. Teaching focused on bowel regulation is more appropriate for medications that reduce gastrointestinal motility, such as opioids, rather than ACE inhibitors.

Eat foods high in potassium or take a potassium supplement: Lisinopril decreases aldosterone secretion, leading to potassium retention. Encouraging high-potassium intake or supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia, which can result in dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias.

A dry cough is normal and the medication should be continued: A persistent dry cough is a known side effect of lisinopril, but it should be reported to the healthcare provider. The medication may need to be changed if the cough is bothersome or persistent, rather than automatically continued.

Hyperglycemia: Heparin does not interfere with insulin secretion or glucose metabolism. Elevated blood glucose levels are more commonly associated with corticosteroids, stress responses, or uncontrolled diabetes rather than anticoagulant therapy.

Constipation: Heparin does not affect gastrointestinal motility. Constipation is more frequently linked to opioid analgesics, anticholinergic medications, or reduced fluid and fiber intake.

Thrombus: Heparin is used to prevent and treat thrombus formation by inhibiting coagulation pathways. While heparin-induced thrombocytopenia can paradoxically increase clot risk, thrombus formation is not a typical direct side effect.

I will have the healthcare provider prescribe a new medication: Requesting a medication change is not the initial nursing response when the reported effect is expected and non-dangerous. Education and reassurance should be provided first unless symptoms are severe or interfere with therapy.

You should take half the dose prescribed to decrease the effects: Altering the prescribed dose without provider authorization can lead to inadequate bronchodilation and poor asthma or COPD control. Dose changes must only be made by the prescribing healthcare provider.

Stop taking the medication immediately and come to the clinic: Shakiness alone does not indicate a dangerous reaction requiring discontinuation or urgent evaluation. Immediate cessation is reserved for severe adverse reactions such as chest pain, severe tachycardia, or paradoxical bronchospasm.

Obtain a finger-stick glucose level: Nadolol is a nonselective beta-blocker that can mask signs of hypoglycemia, but routine glucose checks are not required immediately before each dose unless the client has diabetes or symptoms of low blood sugar.

Draw blood for renal function laboratory tests: Nadolol is excreted renally, so kidney function is monitored over time rather than immediately before each dose. This assessment does not directly determine whether the dose should be administered at that moment.

Request a 12-lead electrocardiogram: A routine ECG is not required before administering nadolol unless the client has new cardiac symptoms or known conduction abnormalities. Heart rate and blood pressure assessment provide the most immediate and relevant safety information.

I will monitor my heart rate regularly: Beta-blockers reduce heart rate by blocking beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. Regular monitoring helps the client detect bradycardia and recognize when to hold the medication or notify the healthcare provider.

I will continue the medication if I get sick: Beta-blockers should not be stopped abruptly, even during illness, due to the risk of rebound hypertension or tachycardia. Continuing the medication unless instructed otherwise reflects appropriate understanding.

Beta-blockers may cause me to feel dizzy: Dizziness can occur due to decreased blood pressure and reduced cardiac output, especially when starting therapy or changing positions. Awareness of this effect supports safe medication use and fall prevention.

Bleeding: These medications do not affect platelet function or coagulation pathways. Bleeding is more commonly associated with anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents rather than lipid-lowering bile acid sequestrants.

Hyperglycemia: Bile acid sequestrants do not directly alter glucose metabolism or insulin activity. Elevated blood glucose levels are typically related to endocrine disorders or medications such as corticosteroids.

Urinary retention: Bile acid sequestrants act within the gastrointestinal tract and have minimal systemic absorption. Urinary retention is more often linked to anticholinergic medications rather than lipid-lowering agents.