nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for captopril. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Take a daily potassium supplement."
"Increase the amount of sodium in your diet."
"Exercise caution when changing positions."
"Monitor your pulse rate before taking medication."
The Correct Answer is C
A) "Take a daily potassium supplement."
Captopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, can lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) by decreasing the excretion of potassium. Supplementing potassium without medical supervision can exacerbate this effect and potentially cause life-threatening hyperkalemia. Patients should be monitored for potassium levels and should not take potassium supplements unless directed by their healthcare provider.
B) "Increase the amount of sodium in your diet."
Increasing sodium intake is generally contraindicated in patients taking captopril, especially those with hypertension or heart failure, as it can counteract the drug's antihypertensive effects. A lower sodium intake is often recommended to help control blood pressure more effectively.
C) "Exercise caution when changing positions."
Captopril can cause orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops significantly when a person stands up quickly, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and an increased risk of falls. Advising the patient to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions helps prevent these symptoms and ensures safety.
D) "Monitor your pulse rate before taking medication."
While monitoring the pulse can be important for patients on certain cardiovascular medications like beta-blockers, it is not typically necessary for patients taking captopril. The primary concerns with captopril are its effects on blood pressure and renal function rather than the pulse rate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. “Diarrhea”: While diarrhea can be a side effect of many medications, it is not typically associated with an interaction between phenelzine and aged cheese.
B. “Somnolence”: Somnolence, or drowsiness, is not typically associated with an interaction between phenelzine and aged cheese.
C. “Hypertension”: Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). When combined with tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese, it can lead to a hypertensive crisis, a severe increase in blood pressure that can be life-threatening. Therefore, hypertension is a manifestation of an interaction between the medication and the food.
D. “Bradycardia”: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with an interaction between phenelzine and aged cheese.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Remove the medication from the medication dispensing cabinet: While removing the medication from the dispensing cabinet is a necessary step in the medication administration process, it is not the first action the nurse should take. Ensuring proper client identification is the priority to prevent medication errors.
B. Identify the client using two identifiers: This is the first action the nurse should take before administering any medication, especially controlled substances. Using at least two unique identifiers, such as the client's name and date of birth or medical record number, helps ensure that the right medication is administered to the right patient.
C. Document the administration of the medication: Documentation is an essential step in the medication administration process, but it should occur after the medication has been administered. Proper documentation helps maintain an accurate record of the medication administration and the client's response to the medication.
D. Compare the amount of medication available to the inventory record: While reconciling the amount of medication available to the inventory record is important for maintaining accurate medication stock levels, it is not the first action the nurse should take before administering a controlled substance. Client identification takes precedence to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety.
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