The nurse is caring for a patient who will begin taking a thiazide diuretic to treat hypertension. The patient says, "I know this will lower my blood pressure, but how does it work?" How will the nurse respond?
a. "It can cause orthostatic hypotension, so be careful."
b. "It reduces the volume of fluid in your blood stream to lower blood pressure."
c. "The actions are complicated, but it's an effective drug."
d. "Your provider should explain this medication to you."
ANS: B
Patients have a right to understand how the drugs they are taking work and to know about side effects. The nurse should explain how the medication can cause orthostatic hypotension after addressing the patient's current question. Telling the patient that the drug actions are complicated is disrespectful. Nurses are responsible for educating patients about medications.
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