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.": This is not a recommendation related to verapamil use. Verapamil does not require restrictions on fluid intake, and the client should be encouraged to maintain adequate hydration as necessary. B. "Do not take this medication on an empty stomach.": Verapamil can be taken with or without food, but it is commonly taken with food to help prevent gastrointestinal upset. This is not a strict instruction but could be helpful if the client experiences stomach irritation. C. "Increase your daily intake of dietary fiber.": While fiber is important for digestive health, verapamil itself can cause constipation. Increasing dietary fiber may help with constipation, but it is not a primary instruction directly related to the medication's use. Clients may need to focus more on other measures, like drinking enough water and staying active. D. "You can expect swelling of the ankles while taking this medication.": Peripheral edema, especially in the ankles, is a common side effect of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker. The nurse should inform the client to expect this effect and report any excessive swelling.