Which instruction should the nurse provide to an older adult client who is taking an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and a calcium channel blocker (CCB)?

Choice A reason: Changing positions slowly is the most appropriate instruction because both ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers can cause hypotension, especially orthostatic hypotension. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to dizziness, syncope, and falls when blood pressure drops suddenly. Teaching them to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions reduces the risk of injury. Choice B reason: Eating plenty of potassium-rich foods is contraindicated for clients taking ACE inhibitors. These medications reduce aldosterone secretion, which can lead to potassium retention and hyperkalemia. Encouraging potassium intake could worsen this risk, potentially leading to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Choice C reason: Wearing long-sleeved clothing outdoors is a preventive measure for photosensitivity, but neither ACE inhibitors nor calcium channel blockers are strongly associated with photosensitivity reactions. This instruction is not relevant to the medications prescribed. Choice D reason: Reporting the onset of a sore throat is important for clients taking ACE inhibitors because of the rare risk of agranulocytosis. However, this is not the primary instruction compared to preventing falls due to hypotension. While sore throat should be reported, the most immediate and universally applicable teaching is to change positions slowly.