When administering a central nervous system depressant, the nurse should closely observe for drug toxicity in which patient?

Choice A reason: Administering captopril risks angioedema, as the patient’s history of tongue and lip swelling with enalapril (another ACE inhibitor) suggests a class effect due to bradykinin accumulation. This is potentially life-threatening, requiring avoidance, not monitoring, making this choice unsafe and incorrect.

Choice B reason: Fosinopril, another ACE inhibitor, carries the same angioedema risk as captopril and enalapril due to similar bradykinin effects. Switching within the same drug class doesn’t address the patient’s history of adverse reactions, making this choice inappropriate and potentially dangerous.

Choice C reason: Holding captopril and notifying the provider is correct, as the patient’s history of angioedema with enalapril indicates a high risk with captopril, another ACE inhibitor. Alternative classes (e.g., ARBs) should be considered to avoid life-threatening reactions, making this the safest and correct action.

Choice D reason: Angioedema (tongue and lip swelling) is a serious, potentially fatal side effect of ACE inhibitors, not benign. Reassuring the patient minimizes the risk, which could delay intervention. The history warrants avoiding captopril and consulting the provider, making this choice incorrect and unsafe.

Choice A reason: NPH insulin is not mixed with insulin glargine, as glargine’s pH and formulation cause precipitation or altered pharmacokinetics when combined. NPH can be mixed with regular insulin, as they are compatible, making this choice incorrect for the patient’s reported practice.

Choice B reason: NPH and regular insulin are compatible and routinely mixed in one syringe to provide both intermediate and short-acting coverage. They don’t react chemically or lose efficacy when combined properly, making this choice incorrect, as mixing is a standard practice in diabetes management.

Choice C reason: Mixing NPH and regular insulin does not increase potency; it combines their pharmacokinetics for basal and prandial glucose control. The mixture delivers the additive effects of each insulin’s profile without enhancing overall potency, making this choice inaccurate for their combined action.

Choice D reason: Mixing NPH (intermediate-acting) and regular insulin (short-acting) is an accepted practice to manage type 1 diabetes with one injection, covering basal and prandial needs. Proper technique (drawing regular insulin first) ensures stability, making this the correct choice for the patient’s reported insulin administration.