The nurse has just administered the initial dose of enalapril [Vasotec] to a newly admitted patient with hypertension. What is the priority nursing intervention over the next several hours?
A. Monitor blood pressure.
B. Check the heart rate.
C. Auscultate lung sounds.
D. Draw a potassium level.
Answer: A. Monitor blood pressure.
Explanation: First-dose hypotension is a serious potential adverse effect of ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril. Monitoring the blood pressure is the priority nursing intervention. If hypotension develops, the nurse will place the patient in the supine position and possibly increase intravenous fluids. The other interventions may be appropriate for this patient; however, in the hours immediately after the first dose of an ACE inhibitor, monitoring of the blood pressure is most important.
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