A patient begins taking an ACE inhibitor and complains of a dry cough. What does the nurse correctly tell the patient about this symptom?

It indicates that a serious side effect has occurred

It occurs frequently in patients taking the drug but will subside over time

It is a common side effect that occurs in all patients taking the drug

It is an uncomfortable side effect experienced by some patients and will require your medication be changed

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Dry cough is a common, not serious, side effect of ACE inhibitors due to bradykinin accumulation. While bothersome, it’s not life-threatening like angioedema. It often necessitates switching to an ARB, but calling it serious overstates the risk, making this choice incorrect.

Choice B reason: Dry cough occurs in 5-20% of ACE inhibitor users but doesn’t typically subside with continued use, as bradykinin accumulation persists. Patients often require a medication change (e.g., to ARBs), making the claim that it will subside over time inaccurate and incorrect.

Choice C reason: Dry cough is common but not universal in ACE inhibitor users, affecting 5-20% of patients due to variable bradykinin sensitivity. Stating it occurs in all patients is inaccurate, as many tolerate ACE inhibitors without cough, making this choice incorrect.

Choice D reason: Dry cough, caused by bradykinin buildup, affects some ACE inhibitor users and is uncomfortable, often requiring a switch to an ARB, which doesn’t affect bradykinin. This accurately reflects the side effect’s impact and management, making it the correct choice for the nurse’s response.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Respiratory acidosis involves low pH and high PaCO2. Normal PaCO2 (44) and low HCO3- (12) point to metabolic acidosis, not respiratory, so this incorrect.

Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis has high pH and HCO3-. Low pH (7.31) and low HCO3- (12) rule this out, indicating metabolic acidosis, so this is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Low pH (7.31) and low HCO3- (12) with normal PaCO2 confirm metabolic acidosis, where acid accumulation lowers pH. This matches, making it the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis has high pH and low PaCO2. Low pH and normal PaCO2 exclude this, pointing to metabolic acidosis, so this is incorrect.

A. Decreased constipation B. Increased respiratory depression C. Increased euphoria D. Decreased analgesic effect

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Opioid tolerance does not reduce constipation; it may persist or worsen. Tolerance primarily reduces pain relief, so this is incorrect for the effect.

Choice B reason: Respiratory depression risk may not increase with tolerance, as sensitivity to this effect also diminishes. Analgesia is most affected, so this is incorrect.

Choice C reason: Euphoria typically decreases with tolerance, not increases, as receptor sensitivity drops. Reduced analgesia is the primary effect, so this is incorrect.

Choice D reason: Opioid tolerance leads to decreased analgesic effect, requiring higher doses for pain relief. This is the hallmark of tolerance, making it the correct choice.

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A patient begins taking an ACE inhibitor and complains of a dry cough. What does the nurse correctly tell the patient about this symptom?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Name the following Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) values: pH 7.31, PaCO2 44, HCO3- 12

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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