A patient who has started taking an ACE inhibitor reports feeling lightheaded when standing up quickly. What action should the nurse recommend to the patient?
Administer a potassium supplement to counteract the lightheadedness
Encourage the patient to skip doses of the ACE inhibitor to prevent lightheadedness.
Stand up slowly from a sting or lying position to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure
increase the daily dose of the ACE inhibitor for better control of blood pressure
The Correct Answer is C
A. Administer a potassium supplement to counteract the lightheadedness: Potassium supplementation does not prevent orthostatic hypotension caused by ACE inhibitors. Lightheadedness in this context is related to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure, not potassium deficiency.
B. Encourage the patient to skip doses of the ACE inhibitor to prevent lightheadedness: Skipping doses can lead to uncontrolled hypertension and increase cardiovascular risk. The lightheadedness should be managed with safe measures rather than interrupting prescribed therapy.
C. Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure: ACE inhibitors can cause orthostatic hypotension, particularly after the first dose. Slowly rising allows the cardiovascular system to adjust and reduces the risk of dizziness, fainting, or falls. This is a primary safety strategy for patients experiencing lightheadedness.
D. Increase the daily dose of the ACE inhibitor for better control of blood pressure: Increasing the dose could worsen hypotension and exacerbate lightheadedness. Dose adjustments should only be made by the healthcare provider based on blood pressure readings and tolerance, not to manage dizziness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Slows down gastric emptying to concentrate glucose in the bloodstream:Glucagon does not act on the gastrointestinal tract to delay gastric emptying. Slowing gastric emptying is a mechanism associated with certain antidiabetic drugs like GLP-1 agonists, not glucagon.
B. Releases glycogen from the liver and muscles to be converted into glucose in the bloodstream:Glucagon stimulates glycogenolysis in the liver, breaking down stored glycogen into glucose, which is released into the bloodstream. This rapid increase in blood glucose makes it effective for treating severe hypoglycemia in unconscious patients.
C. Converts fats into triglycerides for ready conversion into glucose in the bloodstream:Glucagon does not convert fats into triglycerides. While glucagon can promote lipolysis, its primary pharmacologic action in hypoglycemia is glycogenolysis, not fat metabolism.
D. Releases glucose from the small intestine into the bloodstream:The small intestine absorbs dietary glucose but does not store it for rapid release. Glucagon’s effect is on liver glycogen stores, not intestinal glucose reserves.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Monitor blood pressure and pulse regularly:Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that slows AV nodal conduction and decreases myocardial contractility. These effects can lead to bradycardia and hypotension, especially when treating supraventricular tachycardia. Ongoing monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure is essential to detect adverse effects promptly.
B. Administer the medication with a high-fat meal:A high-fat meal is not required for verapamil administration and does not enhance its therapeutic effect. Emphasizing high-fat intake may increase cardiovascular risk rather than support treatment.
C. Instruct the patient to stand up quickly after taking verapamil:Verapamil can cause orthostatic hypotension due to vasodilation and reduced cardiac output. Patients should be advised to change positions slowly, not quickly, to prevent dizziness or falls.
D. Encourage the patient to increase calcium intake:Increasing calcium intake may counteract the therapeutic effects of calcium channel blockers. This advice is inappropriate and may reduce the effectiveness of verapamil in controlling heart rate.
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