Question

The community health nurse teaches a patient at home. Lisinopril has been prescribed for the patient. Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates that further teaching is necessary?
1. "Too much calcium in my diet will elevate my blood pressure."
2. "If a dose is missed, I will take it as soon as possible but not too close to the next dose."
3. "I should notify my healthcare provider of symptoms of hypotension such as dizziness or fainting."
4. "I should avoid the use of salt substitutes containing potassium."

Answer 1

Answer:4. "I should avoid the use of salt substitutes containing potassium."

Explanation:

Salt substitute potassium are salt substitutes which contains "potassium chloride" alone or mixed with regular salt which is "sodium chloride", these are available as a way to cut back sodium intake which contributes to high blood pressure. However in this patient, taking salt substitute potassium could pose a health risk because lisinopril raises blood potassium levels, therefore concurrent use of lisinopril and salt substitute potassium would further increase the blood levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) which could cause side effects like irregular heart rhythm and in severe cases lead to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, cardiac arrest.