A client is prescribed lisinopril 20 mg PO daily for the treatment of hypertension. Which finding would alert the nurse that a side effect of the medication has occurred?

Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg.

Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L.

Heart rate of 80 beats per minute.

Respiration rate of 16 breaths per minute.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A Reason
A blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg is considered within the normal range and is an ideal target for most individuals being treated for hypertension. This finding would not typically alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

Choice B Reason
Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L is higher than the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. This is a known side effect of lisinopril, especially in clients with renal impairment, as it inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduces potassium excretion.

Choice C Reason
A heart rate of 80 beats per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 60-100 beats per minute at rest. This finding would not alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

Choice D Reason
A respiration rate of 16 breaths per minute is within the normal range for adults, which is typically 12-20 breaths per minute at rest. This finding would not alert the nurse to a side effect of lisinopril.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Placing the client on a 35% Venturi mask would provide a controlled amount of oxygen which is beneficial for clients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who may retain carbon dioxide. However, this intervention is not directly related to the management of a non-productive cough and difficulty expectorating secretions.

Choice b reason:
Encouraging the client to increase liquid intake throughout the day can help thin the bronchial secretions, making them easier to expectorate. Adequate hydration is essential in the management of chronic bronchitis to help clear mucus from the airways.

Choice c reason:
Administering dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, may be used to control a non-productive cough. However, it would not assist with the expectoration of secretions and could potentially inhibit the cough reflex needed to clear the airways.

Choice d reason:
Encouraging pursed-lip breathing can help improve ventilation and oxygenation by promoting more effective exhalation. This technique can be beneficial for clients with COPD but does not directly address the issue of expectorating secretions.

A. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L. B. Creatinine 4.4 mg/dL. C. Hemoglobin 10.7 g/dL. D. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) 22 mg/dL.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason
A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of the normal range, which is typically between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L. While this level should be monitored, especially in the context of diabetes where the patient may be at risk for hyperkalemia due to potential kidney issues, it is not immediately alarming¹.

Choice B Reason
A creatinine level of 4.4 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal range of 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for females. This indicates severe renal impairment or kidney failure, which is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus. Immediate intervention is required to address this critical issue¹.

Choice C Reason
A hemoglobin level of 10.7 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for adults, which is generally 13.8 to 17.2 g/dL for males and 12.1 to 15.1 g/dL for females. This could indicate mild anemia, which can be a complication of diabetes but is not as immediately concerning as a high creatinine level¹.

Choice D Reason
A Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) level of 22 mg/dL is within the normal range, which is typically between 7 and 20 mg/dL. This level does not indicate immediate concern and is not as critical as the elevated creatinine level¹.

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A client is prescribed lisinopril 20 mg PO daily for the treatment of hypertension. Which finding would alert the nurse that a side effect of the medication has occurred?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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