An outpatient has been self-monitoring blood pressure readings since beginning reserpine (Serpasil) for hypertension 3 days ago. The patient reports, "My blood pressure has not changed since I started taking the medication"
Which of the following should the nurse advise the patient to do? a. "Take an extra dose now and recheck your blood pressure tomorrow."
b. "Discontinue the medication and come to the office immediately."
c. "This is normal. The effects may not be evident for a full week."
d. "Another medication is needed with the treatment regimen."
C
Full antihypertensive responses can take a week or longer to develop.
Having the patient take an extra dose may result in severe hypotension.
The medication should not be discontinued abruptly because of the potential for rebound hyper-tension.
Another medication is not yet indicated, because the reserpine has not had sufficient time to produce its full effects.
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