Final answer:
A patient understands the teaching about diltiazem if they correctly describe its use for controlling blood pressure, acknowledge the potential side effects, and recognize the importance of following the prescription regimen and any food interaction, such as avoiding grapefruit juice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The indication that the patient understands the teaching about starting to take diltiazem would be a statement that accurately reflects the drug’s usage, potential side effects, interactions, and the importance of adherence to the prescribed regimen. For example, if the patient states, “I understand that I should take diltiazem to help lower my blood pressure and that I need to take it as prescribed without missing doses,” it would suggest a good understanding. Furthermore, acknowledging potential side effects, such as dizziness or swelling, and knowing when to report these to healthcare providers is crucial. The patient should also understand the importance of not suddenly stopping the medication and avoiding grapefruit juice, as it can interact with diltiazem. Lastly, the patient should be aware that the drug may be taken with or without food but should be consistent in the way it is taken.