Question

The patient has a nighttime cough related to taking enalapril (Vasotec). What is the best nursing intervention to promote rest in this patient?

1. Have the patient sit up at an 80-degree angle in a comfortable chair at night.
2. Contact the physician for an order for a cough-suppressant medication.
3. Have the patient sleep on two or three pillows at night.
4. Contact the physician for an order for a sedative-hypnotic medication.

Answer 1

To alleviate a nighttime cough caused by enalapril, the best nursing intervention is to have the patient sleep on two or three pillows to reduce coughing. If the cough persists, contacting the physician for medication review is advisable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient experiencing a nighttime cough related to taking enalapril (Vasotec) is dealing with a common side effect of ACE inhibitors. Among the nursing interventions to promote rest for the patient, the most non-pharmacological and immediate approach would be to have the patient sleep on two or three pillows at night, which can help reduce cough by preventing reflux and drainage that might exacerbate coughing. However, if the cough is severe or persistent, contacting the physician for a possible change of medication may be necessary, rather than introducing additional medications like cough suppressants or sedative-hypnotics, which may not address the underlying cause and could have additional side effects.