The nurse is admitting a patient who has been taking minoxidil (Loniten) to treat hypertension. Prior to beginning therapy with this medication, the patient had a blood pressure of 170/95 mm Hg and a heart rate of 72 beats per minute
The nurse assesses the patient and notes a blood pressure of 130/72 mm Hg and a heart rate of 78 beats per minute, and also notes a 2.2-kg weight gain since the previous hospitalization and edema of the hands and feet. The nurse will contact the provider to discuss which intervention?
a. Adding hydrochlorothiazide to help increase urine output
b. Adding metoprolol (Lopressor) to help decrease the heart rate
c. Increasing the dose of minoxidil to lower the blood pressure
d. Restricting fluids to help with weight reduction
ANS: A
Minoxidil is a direct-acting vasodilator which can cause sodium and water retention. Combining this drug with a diuretic can help reduce edema by increasing urine output. If the patient were tachycardic, a beta blocker might be added. It is not necessary to increase the minoxidil dose or to restrict fluids.
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