Pharmacology and the Nursing Process by Linda Lane Lilley: Practice Exam

ACE inhibitors are contraindicated for which group of patients due to the risk of hyperkalemia?

1. Patients with a baseline potassium level of 5 mEq/L or higher

2. Patients with a baseline potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L

3. Patients with creatinine clearance above 50 mL/min

4. Patients with systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg

The correct answer is: Patients with a baseline potassium level of 5 mEq/L or higher

ACE inhibitors are a class of medications commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. They work by dilating blood vessels, which results in a decrease in blood pressure. However, one of the potential side effects of ACE inhibitors is the increase of potassium levels in the blood, known as hyperkalemia. Therefore, they are not recommended for patients with a baseline potassium level of 5 mEq/L (or 5 mmol/L) or higher, as it could further increase their already high potassium levels and lead to serious health complications. Other options, such as patients with a baseline potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L or those with creatinine clearance above 50 mL/min, are incorrect because they do not have a higher risk of developing hyperkalemia. Similarly, patients with a low systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg also do not have an