The nurse is planning patient teaching for a patient who has just been diagnosed with hypertension and has a new prescription for captopril (Capoten). Which information is important to include when teaching the patient?

Question

The nurse is planning patient teaching for a patient who has just been diagnosed with hypertension and has a new prescription for captopril (Capoten). Which information is important to include when teaching the patient?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ACE inhibitors frequently cause orthostatic hypotension, and patients should be taught to change position slowly to allow the vascular system time to compensate for the position change. Increasing fluid intake may counteract the effect of the medication, and the patient is taught to use gum or hard candy to relieve dry mouth. The BP does not need to be checked at home by the patient before taking the medication. Because ACE inhibitors cause potassium retention, increased intake of high-potassium foods is inappropriate.

The Nurse Is Planning Patient Teaching for a Patient Who