Final answer:
Cozaar is a medicine used to treat hypertension and protect the kidneys from diabetes-related damage. Nurses should educate clients on adherence, recognizing side effects, and lifesytle changes. It is critical to communicate the risks of stopping medication without a provider's advice and to inform about possible serious side effects that require immediate attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nursing Implications for Cozaar
Cozaar, also known as losartan, is a medication used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and to help protect the kidneys from damage due to diabetes. It is part of the class of drugs known as angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs).
Client and Family Education
When educating clients and their families about Cozaar, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of adherence to medication, monitoring blood pressure regularly, recognizing potential side effects, and understanding the need for periodic kidney function tests. Patients should be informed that they should not discontinue Cozaar without consulting their healthcare provider. It is also important for clients to be aware of the signs of possible serious side effects, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or changes in the amount of urine produced, and they should seek immediate medical attention if these occur.
Furthermore, clients should be advised to avoid potassium supplements or salt substitutes containing potassium unless their healthcare provider says otherwise. Lifestyle changes like adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking should also be discussed with clients as they can significantly contribute to the effectiveness of the treatment.
Patient education may also cover potential drug interactions and the importance of informing all healthcare providers about all the medications they are taking.