What should the nurse inform a patient prescribed lisinopril?

Informing the patient that they may develop a dry cough while taking lisinopril is important because this is a well-known side effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which includes lisinopril. The dry cough occurs due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can lead to increased respiratory sensitivity. It's vital for patients to be aware of this potential side effect so that they can recognize it and report it to their healthcare provider if it occurs. This awareness helps in managing any discomfort that may arise and can guide treatment decisions, such as switching to a different class of antihypertensive medication if necessary.

Recognizing this side effect is crucial for adherence to the treatment plan and for the patient's overall comfort while managing hypertension with lisinopril.