Question

A patient has been prescribed an angiotensin II receptor blocker to treat hypertension. The patient is also being treated with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug. Which result would the nurse anticipate from the interaction of these drugs?

-Increased effect of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug
-Increased effect of the angiotensin II receptor blocker drug
-Decreased effect of the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug
-Decreased effect of the angiotensin II receptor blocker drug

Answer 1

The interaction of an angiotensin II receptor blocker and an NSAID typically results in a decreased effect of the angiotensin receptor blocker, impairing its ability to lower blood pressure effectively.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a patient is prescribed an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) to treat hypertension, and they are also taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a potential drug interaction could lead to a decreased effect of the angiotensin II receptor blocker. NSAIDs can reduce the effectiveness of ARBs by diminishing their blood pressure-lowering effects. This occurs because NSAIDs can increase sodium retention and reduce kidney function, which in turn can lessen the efficacy of ARBs that rely on the kidney's ability to affect blood pressure regulation.