A patient has just been diagnosed with hypertension and has been started on captopril (Capoten). Which information is important to include when teaching the patient about this medication?
a. Check blood pressure (BP) in both arms before taking the medication.
b. Increase fluid intake if dryness of the mouth is a problem.
c. Include high-potassium foods such as bananas in the diet.
d. Change position slowly to help prevent dizziness and falls.
ANS: D
The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors frequently cause orthostatic hypotension, and patients should be taught to change position slowly to allow the vascular system time to compensate for the position change. Increasing fluid intake may counteract the effect of the medication, and the patient is taught to use gum or hard candy to relieve dry mouth. The BP should be taken in the nondominant arm by newly diagnosed patients in the morning, before taking the medication, and in the evening. Because ACE inhibitors cause potassium retention, increased intake of high-potassium foods is inappropriate.
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