A patient who has started taking an ACE inhibitor reports feeling lightheaded when standing up quickly. What action should the nurse recommend to the patient?

A. Administer a potassium supplement to counteract the lightheadedness: Potassium supplementation does not prevent orthostatic hypotension caused by ACE inhibitors. Lightheadedness in this context is related to vasodilation and decreased blood pressure, not potassium deficiency. B. Encourage the patient to skip doses of the ACE inhibitor to prevent lightheadedness: Skipping doses can lead to uncontrolled hypertension and increase cardiovascular risk. The lightheadedness should be managed with safe measures rather than interrupting prescribed therapy. C. Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position to avoid sudden drops in blood pressure: ACE inhibitors can cause orthostatic hypotension, particularly after the first dose. Slowly rising allows the cardiovascular system to adjust and reduces the risk of dizziness, fainting, or falls. This is a primary safety strategy for patients experiencing lightheadedness. D. Increase the daily dose of the ACE inhibitor for better control of blood pressure: Increasing the dose could worsen hypotension and exacerbate lightheadedness. Dose adjustments should only be made by the healthcare provider based on blood pressure readings and tolerance, not to manage dizziness.