Medications for heart failure
Medications for heart failure ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving captopril (Capoten). Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the medication?
Choice A is wrong because captopril should be taken one hour before meals, not with food. Food may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of the medication.
Choice B is wrong because captopril can cause hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood, by decreasing aldosterone secretion. The client should avoid foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes, and have their potassium levels monitored regularly.
Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a dry, nonproductive cough as a side effect. This cough may be bothersome and interfere with the quality of life of the client. The client should inform the provider if this occurs, as the medication may need to be changed or adjusted.
Choice D is wrong because captopril can cause hypotension, or low blood pressure, especially when the client first starts taking the medication or when the dose is increased. The client should take captopril in the morning or during the day, not at bedtime, to avoid orthostatic hypotension and falls. The client should also rise slowly from a sitting or lying position and report any symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting to the provider.
Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a dry, nonproductive cough as a side effect. This cough may be bothersome and interfere with the quality of life of the client. The client should inform the provider if this occurs, as the medication may need to be changed or adjusted.
Choice A is wrong because captopril should be taken one hour before meals, not with food. Food may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of the medication.
Choice B is wrong because captopril can cause hyperkalemia, or high levels of potassium in the blood, by decreasing aldosterone secretion. The client should avoid foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes, and have their potassium levels monitored regularly.
Choice D is wrong because captopril can cause hypotension, or low blood pressure, especially when the client first starts taking the medication or when the dose is increased. The client should take captopril in the morning or during the day, not at bedtime, to avoid orthostatic hypotension and falls. The client should also rise slowly from a sitting or lying position and report any symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting to the provider.