The nurse is caring for a client taking valsartan for hypertension. For which adverse effect should the nurse monitor?

A. Productive cough: A persistent cough is commonly associated with ACE inhibitors, not angiotensin receptor blockers like valsartan. Clients taking valsartan rarely experience cough as a side effect. B. Hypotension: Valsartan lowers blood pressure by blocking angiotensin II receptors, which can sometimes lead to excessive blood pressure reduction. Monitoring for hypotension, especially after the initial doses or in clients with volume depletion, is important to prevent dizziness, falls, or syncope. C. Respiratory depression: Respiratory depression is not a known adverse effect of valsartan. The medication primarily affects the cardiovascular system without depressing the respiratory drive. D. Hypokalemia: Unlike some diuretics, valsartan does not typically cause potassium loss. In fact, ARBs may slightly increase serum potassium levels, so hypokalemia is not a common concern with this drug.