A nurse at an outpatient clinic receives a call from a client who reports experiencing syncope after starting a new prescription for énalapril. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client?

A. Decrease daily fluid intake. Enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, can cause hypotension, particularly after the first dose. Decreasing fluid intake could exacerbate hypotension and increase the risk of syncope. Clients should maintain adequate hydration unless otherwise instructed by their provider. B. Rise slowly from a sitting position to a standing position. Enalapril can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially when starting therapy. Clients should be advised to change positions slowly to reduce dizziness and syncope risk. Lying down if dizziness occurs can help restore blood pressure and prevent falls. C. Withhold the medication if pulse rate is less than 60/min. Enalapril primarily affects blood pressure rather than heart rate. Unlike beta-blockers or some calcium channel blockers, it does not significantly lower the heart rate. The decision to hold enalapril should be based on blood pressure readings rather than pulse rate. D. Increase dietary potassium. ACE inhibitors reduce potassium excretion, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. Clients should be cautious with potassium-rich foods and supplements to avoid dangerous elevations in potassium levels, which can lead to cardiac complications.