What test should a nurse consider before administering an ACE inhibitor to assess for contraindications?

Before administering an ACE inhibitor, assessing potassium levels is crucial because these medications can increase potassium retention in the body. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance. This mechanism can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by excessively high potassium levels in the blood, which can result in serious cardiac complications.

Monitoring potassium before initiating treatment helps ensure that the patient is not already at risk for elevated potassium levels. If a patient has hyperkalemia prior to starting an ACE inhibitor, the potential for adverse effects increases significantly. Therefore, checking potassium levels is essential for patient safety and effective management of their condition.

Other tests, such as blood glucose, sodium, and cholesterol levels, do not directly relate to the primary concern when starting ACE inhibitors. While they provide important information about overall health and help manage other conditions, they are not the immediate focus when evaluating the readiness of a patient to begin treatment with an ACE inhibitor.