A client with postpartum depression receives a prescription for sertraline. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in client teaching?

Blood glucose 218 mg/dL (12.1 mmol/L)

• Classification: Unrelated Finding

• Rationale: Minoxidil does not influence blood glucose levels. This elevated blood glucose is likely related to the patient’s known history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It's not a side effect or intended therapeutic action of minoxidil.

Dizziness while sitting up

• Classification: Nontherapeutic Side Effect

• Rationale: Minoxidil is a vasodilator that can cause a rapid drop in blood pressure, particularly when changing positions (orthostatic hypotension). Dizziness is a common side effect due to decreased cerebral perfusion when blood pressure drops too quickly or too much.

Blood pressure 162/111 mm Hg

• Classification: Therapeutic Result

• Rationale: On admission, the patient’s BP was dangerously high at 203/166 mm Hg. A subsequent reading of 162/111 mm Hg shows a significant drop, indicating that minoxidil is having the desired therapeutic effect of lowering blood pressure, even though it's still above target.

Pain rated at 1 on a 0 to 10 scale

• Classification: Unrelated Finding

• Rationale: Minoxidil is not a pain medication and does not impact pain perception. A low pain score of 1 is likely due to an unrelated mild discomfort or pre-existing condition and has no connection to minoxidil's effects.

Urine output 600 mL

• Classification: Unrelated Finding

• Rationale: Minoxidil may cause fluid retention, but 600 mL urine output is within the normal range over a few hours (depending on timing and context). This measurement alone does not indicate a therapeutic or side effect of the drug, and without signs of oliguria or diuresis, it remains unrelated.

A. Acetaminophen: Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver, and excessive or chronic use can lead to hepatotoxicity, which presents with signs such as jaundice. Observing jaundice in a client taking acetaminophen requires prompt notification of the healthcare provider to assess for potential liver damage.

B. Prednisone: Prednisone can have many systemic effects, including fluid retention and immune suppression, but it is not typically associated with liver toxicity or jaundice as a primary adverse effect.

C. Captopril: Captopril is used to manage hypertension and can cause renal dysfunction, but it is not commonly linked to liver dysfunction or jaundice. Liver-related side effects are rare with ACE inhibitors.

D. Omeprazole: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor used for gastroesophageal reflux and has minimal hepatic side effects. It is not commonly associated with jaundice in clinical practice.