A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for captopril. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. “Exercise caution when changing positions.” This statement is correct because captopril, an ACE inhibitor, can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. Patients should be advised to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness and falls. B. “Increase the amount of sodium in your diet.” This statement is incorrect because increasing sodium intake can counteract the blood pressure-lowering effects of captopril. Patients are usually advised to maintain a low-sodium diet to help manage their blood pressure effectively. C. “Take a daily potassium supplement.” This statement is incorrect because captopril can increase potassium levels in the blood, potentially leading to hyperkalemia. Patients should be advised to avoid potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods unless directed by their healthcare provider. D. “Monitor your pulse rate before taking medication.” This statement is incorrect because monitoring pulse rate is not typically necessary for patients taking captopril. The primary concern with captopril is blood pressure, not heart rate.