Which agent is preferred for the initial treatment of heart failure?

Choice A reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Constipation is a common side effect of opioid medications, which slow down the intestinal motility and cause hard stools.

Choice B reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood, which can be caused by diuretic medications, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, which increase the urine output and potassium excretion.

Choice C reason: This is an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Chronic cough is a dry, persistent cough that occurs in some patients taking ACE inhibitors, due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that causes inflammation and irritation in the respiratory tract.

Choice D reason: This is not an adverse effect of ACE inhibitors. Nervousness is a common side effect of stimulant medications, such as caffeine or amphetamine, which increase the activity of the central nervous system and cause anxiety, agitation, and insomnia.

Choice A reason: This is not the action that the nurse should take. Instructing the patient to monitor weight daily is not relevant to the patient's dizziness. Weight monitoring is more useful for patients with fluid retention or heart failure, which are not caused by calcium channel blockers.

Choice B reason: This is not the action that the nurse should take. Informing the patient to discontinue the medication is not appropriate, as this can cause rebound hypertension and other complications. The patient should not stop taking the medication without consulting their health care provider.

Choice C reason: This is not the action that the nurse should take. Advising the patient to increase dietary sodium is not helpful, as this can worsen the hypertension and increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The patient should follow a low-sodium diet and avoid salt substitutes that contain potassium.

Choice D reason: This is the action that the nurse should take. Encouraging the patient to sit down if feeling faint is a simple and effective way to prevent falls and injuries. Dizziness is a common side effect of calcium channel blockers, especially when the patient changes position or stands up quickly. This is due to the orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up) caused by the vasodilation effect of the medication. However, this side effect is usually mild and transient, and can be prevented by rising slowly from a sitting or lying position, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding alcohol.