Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

When administering captopril for heart failure, what finding would indicate that the medication therapy is ineffective?

1. A skin rash

2. Peripheral edema

3. A dry cough

4. Postural hypotension

The correct answer is: Peripheral edema

When administering captopril for heart failure, peripheral edema would indicate that the medication therapy is ineffective. Peripheral edema is a common symptom of heart failure, and the goal of using captopril is to reduce fluid retention and improve heart function. If peripheral edema persists or worsens while on captopril therapy, it suggests that the medication is not effectively managing the fluid overload associated with heart failure. This finding should prompt a reevaluation of the medication regimen to optimize treatment effectiveness. While some adverse effects such as a skin rash, a dry cough, and postural hypotension can occur with captopril therapy, they do not necessarily indicate that the medication is ineffective in managing heart failure. These side effects should be monitored and managed appropriately but do not directly signify the ineffectiveness of captopril in treating heart failure.