Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 66%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a client who experienced a dry non-productive cough associated with an ACE inhibitor. Which of the following drugs is an alternative to ACE inhibitors?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: losartan (Cozaar). Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) which is an alternative to ACE inhibitors in patients experiencing a dry cough. ARBs work by blocking the action of angiotensin II, a hormone that can cause blood vessels to constrict. This alternative is preferred in patients who cannot tolerate ACE inhibitors due to side effects such as cough.
A: Hydralazine and B: metoprolol are not alternatives to ACE inhibitors, as they belong to different drug classes (direct vasodilator and beta-blocker, respectively).
C: Furosemide is a loop diuretic and does not have the same mechanism of action as ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
In summary, losartan is the correct alternative to ACE inhibitors for patients experiencing a dry cough, while the other options are not suitable replacements due to differences in drug class and mechanism of action.
A: Hydralazine and B: metoprolol are not alternatives to ACE inhibitors, as they belong to different drug classes (direct vasodilator and beta-blocker, respectively).
C: Furosemide is a loop diuretic and does not have the same mechanism of action as ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
In summary, losartan is the correct alternative to ACE inhibitors for patients experiencing a dry cough, while the other options are not suitable replacements due to differences in drug class and mechanism of action.