Question

A client with hypertension complains of a persistent dry cough. The PN should tell the client that this is a common side effect of which daily medication?

Answer 1

The persistent dry cough experienced by the client with hypertension is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors, a type of daily medication prescribed for treating hypertension.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client's persistent dry cough is a common side effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril or enalapril, are commonly prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. While these medications effectively lower blood pressure, they can often cause a dry cough as a side effect. This cough is thought to be due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that normally would be broken down by ACE.

The cough usually subsides once the medication is discontinued or switched to another type of antihypertensive medication.

If a cough is bothersome or does not resolve, clinicians may consider switching the patient to an alternative class of antihypertensives, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which do not typically cause cough.