Which is a side effect of ACE Inhibitors?

Which is a side effect of ACE Inhibitors?

• A. Skin rash
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Cough
• D. Drowsiness

Answer: (C)

The correct answer is a cough, which is a well-documented side effect of ACE inhibitors. These medications, such as lisinopril or enalapril, are commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme. This action leads to decreased production of angiotensin II, which not only helps lower blood pressure but can also result in the accumulation of bradykinin. The increased levels of bradykinin can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to a dry, persistent cough in some patients. This side effect is significant enough that it may lead healthcare providers to switch a patient to another class of antihypertensive medications, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which do not typically cause this cough. Understanding this side effect is crucial for nursing practice, as it helps in monitoring patients and providing appropriate education about their medications.

The correct answer is a cough, which is a well-documented side effect of ACE inhibitors. These medications, such as lisinopril or enalapril, are commonly used to treat hypertension and heart failure by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme. This action leads to decreased production of angiotensin II, which not only helps lower blood pressure but can also result in the accumulation of bradykinin. The increased levels of bradykinin can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to a dry, persistent cough in some patients.

This side effect is significant enough that it may lead healthcare providers to switch a patient to another class of antihypertensive medications, such as angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which do not typically cause this cough. Understanding this side effect is crucial for nursing practice, as it helps in monitoring patients and providing appropriate education about their medications.