Which statement by a patient taking lisinopril indicates an understanding of potential side effects?

The statement indicating an understanding of potential side effects is that it may take several months for blood pressure to return to normal. Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, is commonly prescribed for hypertension and heart failure. While it usually starts to lower blood pressure shortly after initiation, it can take several weeks to months for its full effect to stabilize blood pressure readings.

This understanding reflects the fact that managing hypertension often requires time for the body to adjust to the medication, and it is not unusual for patients to need follow-up visits to assess their blood pressure and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan. Notably, the time frame for blood pressure normalization is a critical aspect of adherence and patient education.

The other statements involve misunderstandings about the management of the medication. For example, while potassium intake must be managed carefully—since lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia—it's not advisable to increase potassium intake without consulting a healthcare provider. Additionally, while monitoring kidney function is important due to the risk of potential kidney impairment from medications like lisinopril, the frequency of testing may vary based on individual risk factors and isn't typically standardized to biannual checks for everyone. Monitoring for joint swelling isn't a direct side effect of lisinopril, making that statement