A client has a nighttime cough related to taking enalapril (Vasotec).Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to promote rest for this client?
A) Have the client sit up at an 80° angle in a comfortable chair at night.
B) Have the client sleep on 2 or 3 pillows at night.
C) Contact the healthcare provider for a prescription for a cough-suppressant medication.
D) Contact the healthcare provider for a prescription for a sedative-hypnotic medication.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) The client should sleep with the head elevated if a cough becomes troublesome when in supine position. A cough induced by an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor will not be relieved by cough medication. Sitting up at an 80° angle would be effective but would be too uncomfortable for the client. A sedative-hypnotic medication would put the client to sleep, but it does nothing to address the client's cough.
B) The client should sleep with the head elevated if a cough becomes troublesome when in supine position. A cough induced by an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor will not be relieved by cough medication. Sitting up at an 80° angle would be effective but would be too uncomfortable for the client. A sedative-hypnotic medication would put the client to sleep, but it does nothing to address the client's cough.
C) The client should sleep with the head elevated if a cough becomes troublesome when in supine position. A cough induced by an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor will not be relieved by cough medication. Sitting up at an 80° angle would be effective but would be too uncomfortable for the client. A sedative-hypnotic medication would put the client to sleep, but it does nothing to address the client's cough.
D) The client should sleep with the head elevated if a cough becomes troublesome when in supine position. A cough induced by an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor will not be relieved by cough medication. Sitting up at an 80° angle would be effective but would be too uncomfortable for the client. A sedative-hypnotic medication would put the client to sleep, but it does nothing to address the client's cough.

A Client Has a Nighttime Cough Related to Taking Enalapril