Question

A female patient taking an ACE inhibitor learns that she is pregnant. What will the nurse tell this patient?

a. The fetus most likely will have serious congenital defects.
b. The fetus must be monitored closely while the patient is taking this drug.
c. The patient's prescriber probably will change her medication to an ARB.
d. The patient should stop taking the medication and contact her provider immediately.

Answer 1

The patient taking an ACE inhibitor should stop the medication and contact her healthcare provider right away, as ACE inhibitors can harm the developing fetus. Alternatives should be discussed with the provider under medical supervision.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a female patient taking an ACE inhibitor learns that she is pregnant, the nurse should inform her that ACE inhibitors are teratogens, which can cause serious harm to the developing fetus. These drugs can lead to fetal renal failure and oligohydramnios, which in turn may cause pulmonary hypoplasia, limb contractures, and cranial bone abnormalities. Therefore, the patient should immediately stop taking the medication and contact her healthcare provider to discuss alternative treatments. The provider may consider switching to medications that are safer during pregnancy, such as low molecular weight heparins or possibly angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), although ARBs also carry a significant risk and are generally avoided during pregnancy. It is crucial that the patient does this under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as abrupt discontinuation or switching of medication could also present risks to both the mother and the fetus.