A nurse is making a follow-up call to a client who has a new prescription for an ACE inhibitor to treat hypertension. The client reports lightheadedness upon standing. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Sit back down for a few minutes when this occurs.": This is correct. Lightheadedness upon standing is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors due to their blood pressure-lowering effect. The client should be advised to sit down to prevent falls and allow the body to adjust. B. "Take a daily potassium supplement.": This is incorrect. ACE inhibitors can increase potassium levels, and taking a potassium supplement without a healthcare provider’s recommendation may lead to hyperkalemia, a dangerous condition. C. "Restrict your daily fluid intake.": This is incorrect. Dehydration can exacerbate hypotension, so it is not recommended to restrict fluid intake without further instructions from the provider. D. "Discontinue this medication if this occurs again.": This is incorrect. The client should not discontinue medication without first consulting their healthcare provider. The healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or provide alternative recommendations to manage the side effects.