Introduction
Introduction ( 7 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy. Which of the following assessments should the nurse prioritize?
Incorrect. ACE inhibitors do not directly affect blood glucose levels, although they may indirectly influence glycemic control in clients with diabetes.
Correct. ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect by inhibiting aldosterone secretion. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing serum potassium levels regularly to monitor for hyperkalemia. This is particularly important in clients with pre-existing renal impairment or those taking other medications that can increase potassium levels.
Incorrect. Serum creatinine levels should be monitored regularly in clients receiving ACE inhibitors, as these medications can affect renal function. However, assessing serum potassium levels is a higher priority in this scenario.
Incorrect. White blood cell count is not directly related to ACE inhibitor therapy and does not require prioritization in this case.
B) Correct. ACE inhibitors can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect by inhibiting aldosterone secretion. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing serum potassium levels regularly to monitor for hyperkalemia. This is particularly important in clients with pre-existing renal impairment or those taking other medications that can increase potassium levels.
A) Incorrect. ACE inhibitors do not directly affect blood glucose levels, although they may indirectly influence glycemic control in clients with diabetes.
C) Incorrect. Serum creatinine levels should be monitored regularly in clients receiving ACE inhibitors, as these medications can affect renal function. However, assessing serum potassium levels is a higher priority in this scenario.
D) Incorrect. White blood cell count is not directly related to ACE inhibitor therapy and does not require prioritization in this case.