A patient who has recently begun taking captopril (Capoten) to treat hypertension calls a clinic to report a persistent cough. The nurse will perform which action?
a. Instruct the patient to go to an emergency department because this is a hypersensitivity reaction.
b. Reassure the patient that this side effect is nothing to worry about and will diminish over time.
c. Schedule an appointment with the provider to discuss changing to an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
d. Tell the patient to stop taking the drug immediately since this is a serious side effect of this drug.
ANS: C
An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, such as captopril, can cause a constant, irritated cough. The cough will stop with discontinuation of the drug, and many patients can switch to an ARB medication. It does not indicate a hypersensitivity reaction. The cough will not diminish while still taking the drug. The patient does not need to stop taking the drug immediately.
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