A patient begins taking an ACE inhibitor and complains of a dry cough. What does the nurse correctly tell the patient about this symptom?

Choice A reason: Dry cough is a common, not serious, side effect of ACE inhibitors due to bradykinin accumulation. While bothersome, it’s not life-threatening like angioedema. It often necessitates switching to an ARB, but calling it serious overstates the risk, making this choice incorrect. Choice B reason: Dry cough occurs in 5-20% of ACE inhibitor users but doesn’t typically subside with continued use, as bradykinin accumulation persists. Patients often require a medication change (e.g., to ARBs), making the claim that it will subside over time inaccurate and incorrect. Choice C reason: Dry cough is common but not universal in ACE inhibitor users, affecting 5-20% of patients due to variable bradykinin sensitivity. Stating it occurs in all patients is inaccurate, as many tolerate ACE inhibitors without cough, making this choice incorrect. Choice D reason: Dry cough, caused by bradykinin buildup, affects some ACE inhibitor users and is uncomfortable, often requiring a switch to an ARB, which doesn’t affect bradykinin. This accurately reflects the side effect’s impact and management, making it the correct choice for the nurse’s response.