Hard

A patient taking enalapril develops swelling of the lips and tongue with difficulty speaking. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct answer: C. Stop the drug and assess the airway

  • A. Give the next dose with food
  • B. Place the patient flat and reassess later
  • C. Stop the drug and assess the airway
  • D. Offer oral fluids to reduce swelling

Explanation

Lip and tongue swelling suggests angioedema, which can rapidly obstruct the airway. The nurse should stop the medicine, assess breathing and obtain urgent medical help; this is an airway priority rather than a routine side effect.

Submitted by a TestUstad contributor and published by the TestUstad editorial teamLast updated
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About Cardiovascular and Respiratory Drugs

Cardiovascular and respiratory drugs include antihypertensives, diuretics, antianginal agents, antiarrhythmics, cardiac glycosides, anticoagulants, bronchodilators, corticosteroids and cough medicines. Questions focus on mechanisms, indications, contraindications, toxicity and monitoring, especially the difference between drugs that reduce blood pressure, improve cardiac output or open narrowed airways.

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