The nurse is preparing the patient with heart failure for discharge. During the patient teaching session, the nurse realizes that the patient will require further teaching in relationship to taking valsartan (Diovan) when the patient states:
A) "I will notify my physician if I have dizziness when I stand up."
B) "If I notice a change in the amount that I urinate, I will call my doctor."
C) "I will call my doctor if I have weakness in my legs."
D) "I will use these prescriptions for blood work when I notice side effects from the medication."
Ans: D
Feedback: Valsartan (Diovan) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and is administered to decrease blood pressure, decrease systemic vascular resistance, and improve cardiac output. Side effects often associated with an ARB include hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal dysfunction. The patient will require routine blood work studies to evaluate for the onset of hyperkalemia on a consistent basis, not strictly when symptoms are experienced. Dizziness, decreased urination, and lower extremity weakness are symptoms that may be directly related to the administration of valsartan and should be immediately reported to the physician.
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