A nurse plans to take a patient's radial pulse. Which method of examination should be used by the nurse?

A. Elevated blood pressure. Lisinopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. It does not cause an increase in blood pressure.
B. Angioedema. A serious but rare side effect of ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril is angioedema, which involves swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. This condition can be life-threatening due to airway obstruction, requiring immediate medical attention.
C. Intestinal ileus. Lisinopril does not typically cause an intestinal ileus. This condition is more commonly associated with medications that affect gastrointestinal motility, such as opioids or anticholinergics.
D. Delirium. While some medications can cause delirium, Lisinopril does not have central nervous system effects that would commonly lead to confusion or altered mental status.

A. Check the patient's apical rate to check for a pulse deficit. While an apical pulse assessment may be useful later, the priority in a sudden drop in blood pressure with signs of fainting is to ensure adequate circulation by checking a central pulse.
B. Immediately check the client's carotid pulse. A significant blood pressure drop (132/82 to 104/52), pale skin, and signs of fainting suggest possible shock or circulatory collapse. The carotid pulse should be checked immediately to assess perfusion.
C. Elevate the head of the patient's bed to at least 45 degrees. Raising the head of the bed could worsen hypotension and decrease blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of syncope. The Trendelenburg position or lying flat may be more appropriate.
D. Report the findings to the health care provider immediately. While the provider should be notified, the priority action is to assess circulation by checking the carotid pulse first before escalating care.