Question

The nurse is caring for a patient taking an ace inhibitor, lisinopril (Prinivil). The patient complains of tongue swelling and shortness of breath with wheezing. What is the priority action by the nurse?

Select one:
a. Notify the physician.
b. Assess the blood pressure.
c. Administer the prn epinephrine.
d. Assess the lung sounds

Answer 1

The nurse's priority action for a patient showing signs of anaphylactic reaction to lisinopril should be to administer PRN epinephrine to reverse the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient is experiencing symptoms such as tongue swelling and shortness of breath with wheezing, which are indicative of a possible anaphylactic reaction to the ACE inhibitor lisinopril (Prinivil). The priority action in this scenario is to administer the PRN epinephrine as it is essential to immediately address the life-threatening aspects of anaphylaxis. Epinephrine works by constricting blood vessels to increase blood pressure, relaxing the muscles in the lungs to reduce wheezing and improve breathing, modulating heart rate, and managing swelling that could block the airways.