A patient with heart failure has a new order for captopril (Capoten) 12.5 mg PO. After administering the first dose and teaching the patient about captopril, which statement by the patient indicates that teaching has been effective?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Captopril can cause hypotension, especially after the initial dose, so it is important that the patient not get up out of bed without assistance until the nurse has had a chance to evaluate the effect of the first dose. The ACE inhibitors are potassium sparing, and the nurse should not teach the patient to increase sources of dietary potassium. Increased shortness of breath is expected with initiation of b-blocker therapy for heart failure, not for ACE inhibitor therapy. ACE inhibitors are best absorbed when taken an hour before eating.

A Patient with Heart Failure Has a New Order for Captopril