A diabetic client has an order for a CT of the abdomen with contrast. The nurse should assess the client's medications for which drug prior to sending the client to radiology?

Choice A reason: This choice is correct because captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that can cause fetal harm or death if used during pregnancy. Captopril can affect the development of the baby's kidneys, lungs, skull, and blood vessels. The nurse should advise the patient to use effective contraception while taking captopril and to inform the provider as soon as possible if she becomes pregnant or plans to become pregnant. The provider may switch the patient to a safer medication for blood pressure control during pregnancy.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because facial swelling is a serious side effect of captopril that may indicate angioedema, a life-threatening allergic reaction that causes swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or airway. The nurse should instruct the patient to stop taking captopril and seek emergency medical attention if she develops facial swelling or any signs of difficulty breathing, such as wheezing, stridor, or cyanosis. Reducing the dose of captopril will not prevent or treat angioedema.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because captopril can be taken with or without food, depending on the patient's preference and tolerance. Food may decrease the absorption of captopril, but this effect is not clinically significant for most patients. The nurse should advise the patient to take captopril at the same time each day, preferably one hour before meals, to maintain consistent blood levels and effects.

Choice D reason: This choice is incorrect because captopril is unlikely to cause anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction that involves multiple organ systems. Anaphylaxis can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, flushing, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, and shock. The nurse should instruct the patient to carry an epi pen only if she has a history of anaphylaxis or a severe allergy to another substance. .

Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect because sulfa allergy is not a priority assessment for the nurse to make prior to giving nifedipine. Sulfa allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to drugs that contain sulfonamide, such as antibiotics, diuretics, or antidiabetic agents. Sulfa allergy can cause symptoms such as rash, itching, fever, or anaphylaxis. Nifedipine does not contain sulfonamide and does not cross-react with sulfa drugs. The nurse should ask the client about any drug allergies and document them, but sulfa allergy is not relevant to nifedipine.

Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect because aPTT is not a priority assessment for the nurse to make prior to giving nifedipine. aPTT stands for activated partial thromboplastin time, which is a measure of how long it takes the blood to clot. It is used to monitor the effect of anticoagulant drugs, such as heparin, that prevent blood clots. Nifedipine does not affect the blood clotting time and does not interact with anticoagulant drugs. The nurse should check the aPTT only if the client is taking anticoagulant drugs and has signs of bleeding or clotting.

Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect because hemoglobin is not a priority assessment for the nurse to make prior to giving nifedipine. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues and organs of the body. Hemoglobin levels can be affected by conditions such as anemia, dehydration, or blood loss. Nifedipine does not affect the hemoglobin levels or the oxygen delivery. The nurse should monitor the hemoglobin levels and the signs of anemia, such as fatigue, pallor, or shortness of breath, but they are not related to nifedipine.

Choice D reason: This choice is correct because blood pressure is the priority assessment for the nurse to make prior to giving nifedipine. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure and relaxes the blood vessels. It is used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, and Raynaud's phenomenon. However, nifedipine can cause side effects such as hypotension (low blood pressure), dizziness, headache, flushing, and edema (swelling). The nurse should check the client's blood pressure before giving nifedipine and withhold the dose if the blood pressure is too low. The nurse should also monitor the client's blood pressure and the signs of hypotension, such as fainting, weakness, or chest pain.