A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for Verapamil for angina. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. "Limit your fluid intake to meal times.": Fluid restriction is not a standard recommendation for patients taking Verapamil unless they have another condition like heart failure. Adequate hydration is important, especially to counter constipation, a known side effect of the drug. B. "You can expect swelling of the ankles while taking this medication.": While peripheral edema is a known side effect of Verapamil, it is not something patients should expect or accept without reporting. Significant swelling may require dose adjustment or switching medications. C. "This medication will not affect your heart rate": Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that slows AV node conduction and reduces heart rate. It is used for conditions like hypertension, angina, and arrhythmias, and can cause bradycardia, especially in high doses. D. "Increase your daily intake of dietary fiber.": Verapamil frequently causes constipation by decreasing gastrointestinal motility. Increasing dietary fiber, fluid intake, and physical activity are recommended to minimize this side effect and promote regular bowel movements.