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NCLEX Question: Ace Inhibitors & Alcohol

4,534 views · Published 23 May 2015 · 3:48 · Indexed 8 October 2026

Channel: EmpoweRN · 2015 · Education

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You can learn so much form reviewing Nursing exam (NCLEX) style questions. You can obviously learn from the correct answer, however, understanding why the wrong answer options also incorrect can help you gain further understanding, either in this topic or another.
So I really hope you enjoy these questions with complete rationals!
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QUESTIONS NUMBER 4:

The hypertensive client taking Accupril (Quinapril) asks the nurse if he can still drink alcohol while taking this medication, the nurse appropriately responds with which of the following medications?
A. “You should limit your alcohol intake to 24 oz per day.”
B. “Limitations in alcohol consumption depends with your average blood pressure reading.”
C. “You should avoid drinking alcohol when on this medication because it can increase the side effect of the medication causing further decreases in your blood pressure.”
D. “As long as you are able to bring your blood pressures up after lying down with your legs elevated with two pillows, you can drink as much as 8 oz per day.” 

This is a great example of the type of question that you, the nurse, might get from your patient.  He may have been too embarrassed and reluctant to ask his doctor this question. You will discover, if you haven’t already, that “you”, the “nurse”, represent a picture of trustworthiness to your patients. 
Always, seek proof of the information, though, that you are giving to your patient by researching as necessary.  Become familiar with the tools at your fingertips, for instance, use the “lexicomp” tab on you pyxis machine when researching a drug if you have it!
When you look up the actions and side effects of a drug to explain to your patient, it’s a good idea to print it out for him if you have that capability and leave the copy with him.  Never, never feel bad about having to “look up” a drug.  It is impossible to mentally store information on all the drugs that you will administer.  AND never give a medication that you know nothing about!!!

In this question, answer C is correct.  Explain to him that alcoholic drinks should be avoided when on ACE inhibitors because it can increase the potency of the drug and could cause further decrease in blood pressure.   This is a teachable moment and you could also bring out other pointers like… Do not use salt substitutes or potassium supplements while taking quinapril, unless your doctor has told you to.  And to avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or he may feel light headed and dizzy. You can include this in your “fall prevention” education also!

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