Author Question: A nurse has provided education for a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension who is just beginning ... (Read 57 times)

urbanoutfitters · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse has provided education for a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension who is just beginning therapy with antihypertensive medications. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

a. I may experience serious long-term problems even if I am not having symptoms.
b. I should report side effects to the provider since other drugs may be substituted.
c. I will need to take medications on a long-term basis.
d. When my symptoms subside, I may discontinue the medications.

Question 2

A patient is taking enalapril (Vasotec). The nurse understands that patients taking this type of drug for heart failure need to be monitored carefully for:

a. hypernatremia.
b. hypertension.
c. hyperkalemia.
d. hypokalemia.

rekilledagain · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Patients should be taught that hypertension treatment is lifelong and that medications must be continued even when symptoms subside. Long-term problems may still occur without symptoms. Reporting drug side effects is necessary so that other drugs may be tried if needed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
One of the principal effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors is hyperkalemia, which is due to decreased aldosterone release arising from blockage of angiotensin II. There is no indication that careful monitoring of sodium for increased levels is indicated. Vasotec is indicated for heart failure, not hypertension. The drug therapy should be monitored to ascertain its effectiveness, but hyperkalemia is the main concern. Hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia, is a concern because of the decreased aldosterone release that occurs with blockage of angiotensin II.