The patient L.H. is assigned to you.

The patient L.H. is assigned to you. He had a right knee replacement two days ago and is recovering well. He has a history of hypertension and is currently taking lisinopril to control his blood pressure. L.H asks how this medication works.

Describe how the ACE inhibitor lisinopril works to lower blood pressure.

Explain how ACE inhibitors impact electrolyte balance. What electrolyte(s) would the nurse be monitoring while L.H. is taking this medication?

What are the nursing considerations and patient teaching for ACE inhibitors?

Explain the similarities and differences between ACE inhibitors and angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (valsartan)? What are advantages/disadvantages of these drug classes?

L.H asks why his provider discontinued his spironolactone. How would you respond? Explain your answer.

Two weeks later L.H is prescribed furosemide (Lasix).

What type of medication is furosemide and how does it work? What are the advantages of this classification of diuretics? Explain your answer.

Abnormal electrolytes and other laboratory test results may occur when taking loop diuretics. Explain the imbalances. Would the following serum electrolyte and laboratory values be expected to increase, decrease or unchanged?

Sodium

Potassium

Calcium

Magnesium

Glucose

Uric acid

Cholesterol

What are the nursing considerations and teaching for patients taking loop diuretics?