A nurse is reviewing the medication record of a client who has hypertension. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer to lower the client's blood pressure?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Promethazine. Promethazine is an antihistamine used to treat nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions. It does not have antihypertensive properties and does not lower blood pressure. Instead, it has sedative effects and is commonly used for motion sickness or as a preoperative medication. B. Amlodipine. Amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker that lowers blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow. It is commonly prescribed for hypertension and angina, as it reduces vascular resistance and decreases the workload on the heart. Clients taking amlodipine should be monitored for hypotension, edema, and dizziness. C. Fluconazole. Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections such as candidiasis. It does not affect blood pressure regulation and is not used for managing hypertension. However, it can interact with certain medications, so monitoring for drug interactions is important. D. Phenazopyridine. Phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic used to relieve symptoms of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as burning and pain during urination. It does not lower blood pressure and has no effect on cardiovascular function. Clients should be advised that this medication can cause orange discoloration of the urine.