A patient who has just begun taking an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor calls the nurse and reports feeling very dizzy when standing up and asks if the medication should be discontinued. What is the nurse's best response?
a. "Stop taking the medication immediately."
b. "Rise to a sitting or standing position slowly; your symptoms will resolve."
c. "I will schedule you to visit the health care provider today."
d. "Cut the pill in half and take a reduced dosage."
ANS: B
Dizziness is a common initial adverse effect of this medication, which is usually transient. The patient should be instructed to rise from a lying position slowly to avoid orthostatic hypotension and avoid falling. Medications should not be stopped immediately unless a serious adverse effect occurs. Because this is a common occurrence with ACE inhibitors, there is no need for a visit to the health care provider. A change in dosage will not alter the effect and should not be made without the advice of the primary care provider.
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