If a patient shows signs of angioedema while on enalapril, what action should the nurse advise?

When a patient exhibits signs of angioedema after taking enalapril, it is crucial for the nurse to advocate for the patient's safety by advising immediate notification of the healthcare provider. Angioedema, which is a severe allergic reaction characterized by swelling of the deeper layers of the skin, can be life-threatening if it affects the airway.

Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, and one of its potential side effects is angioedema, which occurs in a small percentage of users. Recognizing the urgency of this condition is vital since it can lead to complications, such as anaphylaxis or airway obstruction. Therefore, prompt medical assessment and intervention are necessary to ensure the patient receives the appropriate treatment and management for this adverse reaction.

In this context, continuing the medication or merely monitoring blood pressure (which, while important in general, does not address the immediate danger of angioedema) would not be appropriate. Additionally, reducing sodium intake might not have a direct effect on symptoms of angioedema itself. Hence, notifying the healthcare provider is the most critical and appropriate response in this situation.