A patient who has recently begun taking captopril (Capoten) to treat HTN calls a clinic to report a persistent cough.
The nurse will perform which action?
Reassure the client that this is nothing to worry about and will diminish over time.
Tell the patient to stop taking the drug immediately as this is a serious side effect of the drug.
Schedule an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an ARB.
Instruct the patient to go to the emergency room immediately as this is a hypersensitivity reaction.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Reassuring the client without addressing the persistent cough would not be appropriate as it may signal a need for a different medication. The ACE inhibitor captopril can cause a bothersome, persistent cough in some patients due to increased bradykinin levels.
Choice B rationale
Instructing the patient to stop the medication immediately is not advised without consulting the healthcare provider. While the cough is a known side effect, stopping the medication abruptly may lead to unmanaged hypertension.
Choice C rationale
Scheduling an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) is appropriate. ARBs do not typically cause a persistent cough, making them a suitable alternative for patients who experience this side effect with ACE inhibitors.
Choice D rationale
Instructing the patient to go to the emergency room immediately is unnecessary as the persistent cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors and not an emergency situation. Emergency action is warranted for symptoms of angioedema, such as swelling of the face or throat.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease characterized by obstructed airflow from the lungs. While related to respiratory health, it is distinct from tuberculosis.
Choice B rationale
Bronchiectasis is a condition involving the permanent enlargement of parts of the airways of the lung, often caused by infection or other lung conditions but is different from tuberculosis.
Choice C rationale
Emphysema is a chronic lung condition where the alveoli (air sacs) are damaged, leading to breathing difficulties. This condition is usually associated with smoking and is distinct from tuberculosis.
Choice D rationale
Consumption is an old term for tuberculosis, reflecting the wasting away (consuming) nature of the disease due to the progressive weight loss and weakness it causes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking the patient what time of day the medication is taken can help identify if taking it at a different time might alleviate sleep disturbances. SSRIs like sertraline can cause insomnia if taken later in the day.
Choice B rationale
Recommending a weekly dosage is inappropriate and could potentially disrupt the therapeutic effect. SSRIs should be taken daily, as prescribed.
Choice C rationale
Counseling the patient to take the medication at bedtime could worsen sleep disturbances, as sertraline may cause insomnia in some individuals. Timing should be adjusted based on patient response.
Choice D rationale
Suggesting a lower dose without consulting the provider may not address the issue effectively and could reduce the efficacy of the medication. Dosage adjustments should be made based on clinical assessment and provider recommendation.
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