The nurse takes a patient's vital signs prior to giving metoprolol tartrate and obtains the following results: T 98 degrees F, P 48, R 16 bpm, BP 100/50 and a pulse oximeter of 98%. What action will the nurse take?

A. Let your provider know if a new cough occurs:
This teaching is essential because lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is associated with a potential side effect of a persistent, dry cough. Notifying the healthcare provider if a new cough develops allows for appropriate management, such as discontinuation or adjustment of the medication to alleviate the symptom.

B. Take the medication on a full stomach:
Taking lisinopril with or without food is acceptable, as it does not significantly affect its absorption. However, taking it on an empty stomach is often recommended to optimize absorption. Advising the patient to take the medication on a full stomach is incorrect and may lead to misunderstandings.

C. This medication will not cause edema:
Lisinopril, as an ACE inhibitor, may actually cause or exacerbate edema as a side effect. It can lead to vasodilation and fluid retention, particularly in susceptible individuals. Providing incorrect information about the medication's potential side effects can compromise patient understanding and safety.

D. Eat a high potassium diet:
Lisinopril can increase serum potassium levels, so instructing the patient to consume a high-potassium diet may exacerbate this effect and lead to hyperkalemia. While dietary potassium intake should be monitored, advising a high-potassium diet without proper guidance can pose risks to the patient's health.

A. Changes in peristalsis: Changes in peristalsis, which refers to the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the gastrointestinal tract muscles, are not typically associated with target organ damage in hypertension. While hypertension can indirectly affect gastrointestinal function through its impact on other organ systems, such as the kidneys and cardiovascular system, alterations in peristalsis are more commonly attributed to gastrointestinal disorders or neurological conditions rather than hypertension-induced target organ damage.

B. Decreased urine output: In a patient diagnosed with hypertension, decreased urine output may indicate the development of target organ damage, particularly renal damage. Hypertension can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) over time, which is characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function. Decreased urine output may be a sign of impaired renal function, reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), or the presence of proteinuria. These changes indicate that the kidneys are no longer effectively filtering waste products and regulating fluid balance, suggesting the onset of renal damage as a consequence of long-standing hypertension.

C. Decreased insulin resistance: Hypertension is not directly linked to changes in insulin resistance. However, hypertension and insulin resistance are often comorbid conditions that share common risk factors, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy diet. While poorly controlled hypertension and insulin resistance can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and other complications, a decrease in insulin resistance would not typically be considered an indicator of target organ damage in hypertension.

D. Hypercholesterolemia: Hypercholesterolemia, or high levels of cholesterol in the blood, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. While hypertension and hypercholesterolemia frequently coexist and contribute to the progression of vascular damage, the presence of hypercholesterolemia alone does not necessarily indicate target organ damage specific to hypertension. However, elevated cholesterol levels can exacerbate vascular changes and increase the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with hypertension.