A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking furosemide and notes the client's potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. Which of the following physiological responses should the nurse expect related to the client's hypokalemia?

B) "I will keep my house at a cool temperature": This statement indicates a need for further teaching because maintaining a warm environment is recommended for individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon to prevent vasoconstriction and reduce the risk of attacks. Cold temperatures can trigger symptoms in individuals with this condition. Therefore, advising the client to keep their house warm is appropriate and aligns with preventive measures for Raynaud's phenomenon.

A) "I will try to anticipate and avoid stressful situations": Stress management is an essential aspect of managing Raynaud's phenomenon, as stress can trigger vasospasms. Anticipating and avoiding stressful situations can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.

C) "I will complete the smoking cessation program I started": Smoking cessation is crucial for individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon because smoking narrows blood vessels and exacerbates symptoms. Completing a smoking cessation program is a positive step toward reducing the risk of vasospasms.

D) "I will wear gloves when removing food from the freezer": Wearing gloves when handling cold objects, such as food from the freezer, is recommended for individuals with Raynaud's phenomenon to prevent triggering attacks due to exposure to cold temperatures. This statement demonstrates an understanding of preventive measures for managing the condition.

A. “Your cholesterol levels should be monitored monthly while taking this medication”: Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It does not typically affect cholesterol levels, so monthly cholesterol monitoring is not usually necessary.

B. “Make sure your diet contains a lot of potassium-rich foods.”: While a balanced diet is important for overall health, patients taking lisinopril should be cautious about consuming too much potassium. Lisinopril can increase potassium levels in the body, and consuming too many potassium-rich foods could lead to hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by high levels of potassium in the blood.

C. “Monitor your blood pressure on a regular basis.”: This is correct. Since lisinopril is used to treat high blood pressure, it’s important for patients to monitor their blood pressure regularly to ensure the medication is working effectively.

D. “Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant.”: This is correct. Lisinopril is not recommended during pregnancy as it can harm the unborn baby. If a patient becomes pregnant while taking lisinopril, they should notify their doctor immediately.

E. “Report the development of a persistent dry cough.”: This is correct. A persistent dry cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril. If a patient develops this symptom, they should report it to their healthcare provider.