A patient with hypertension who has been taking captopril (Capoten) for several months is admitted to the hospital. The patient reports that food "tastes funny." What will the nurse do?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dysgeusia is a relatively common side effect of ACE inhibitors. It is not necessary to withdraw the medication unless anorexia or weight loss occurs, so assessing the patient's weight is an appropriate nursing action. Unless the condition is interfering with the patient's weight, there is no need to withdraw the drug. Dysgeusia is not temporary. A WBC with differential is indicated if neutropenia, a rare side effect, is suspected.

A Patient with Hypertension Who Has Been Taking Captopril (Capoten)