Practice Question
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking lisinopril to treat hypertension. Which of the following findings is a priority to report?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Swelling of the tongue
Rationale:
🧩 Swelling of the tongue is a classic sign of angioedema, a rare but potentially fatal adverse effect of ACE inhibitors like lisinopril.
🧩 Angioedema can quickly compromise the airway, leading to respiratory distress and asphyxiation if untreated.
🧩 This symptom requires immediate reporting, discontinuation of the medication, and emergency evaluation, possibly including epinephrine and airway management.
🧩 Because it involves the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation), it is a higher priority than other common but non-life-threatening side effects.
🧩 Recognizing tongue or facial swelling as an emergency reaction is essential for safe management of clients on ACE inhibitors.
Nasal congestion
🧩 Nasal congestion is a mild, nonspecific symptom and does not typically signal a dangerous reaction to lisinopril.
🧩 It does not threaten the airway or cardiovascular stability.
Nausea
🧩 Nausea can occur with many medications but is not a hallmark or life-threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors.
🧩 It can usually be managed with supportive care and monitoring.
Dry cough
🧩 A dry, persistent cough is a common adverse effect of ACE inhibitors due to bradykinin accumulation.
🧩 It is uncomfortable and often leads to switching to an ARB, but it is not immediately life-threatening like angioedema.
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This question is from Custom RN Pharmacology-Fall 2025 Exam 4 which contains 60 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Pharmacology
- Answer Choices: 4