Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 62%
Simulated
A client is prescribed lisinopril 20 mg PO daily for the treatment of hypertension. Which finding would alert the nurse that a side effect of the medication has occurred?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L. Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia as a side effect due to its effect on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Elevated serum potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac complications. The other choices (A, C, D) are within normal limits and do not directly relate to lisinopril side effects. Monitoring for hyperkalemia is crucial in patients taking lisinopril to prevent adverse outcomes.