Question

A female patient who is not taking any other medications is prescribed aliskiren [Tekturna], a direct renin inhibitor (DRI). The nurse reviews medication information with the patient. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

a. "If I get pregnant, I should stop taking this drug by the second trimester."
b. "If I take this drug with a high-fat meal, it will be more effective."
c. "I should restrict my potassium intake while taking this drug."
d. "I should take this medication 1 hour before sitting down to a meal."

Answer 1

The patient indicates understanding of aliskiren [Tekturna] by choosing the option that states the medication should be taken 1 hour before a meal to enhance its absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the question of what indicates understanding of the medication teaching for a female patient prescribed aliskiren [Tekturna], a direct renin inhibitor (DRI), is option d: "I should take this medication 1 hour before sitting down to a meal." This response demonstrates the patient's understanding that aliskiren should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Taking aliskiren with a high-fat meal can decrease its effectiveness, so option b is incorrect. Aliskiren is a direct renin inhibitor, not a diuretic or potassium-sparing agent, thus options a and c are also incorrect statements and do not show an understanding of the medication.