Name two common adverse effects and one contraindication of ACE inhibitors.

Name two common adverse effects and one contraindication of ACE inhibitors.

• A. Cough, hyperkalemia; contraindicated with bilateral renal artery stenosis or history of angioedema.
• B. Hypotension and bradycardia; contraindicated with asthma.
• C. Dizziness and diarrhea; contraindicated with recent MI.
• D. Rash and hyponatremia; contraindicated with kidney stones.

Answer: (A)

The main concept is the adverse effects and contraindications of ACE inhibitors. Cough and hyperkalemia are classic adverse effects: the cough comes from bradykinin buildup in the airways, and potassium can rise because ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone. A key contraindication is bilateral renal artery stenosis or a history of angioedema, since these conditions markedly increase the risk of kidney damage or life-threatening swelling when ACE activity is blocked. This option captures those well-established facts. The other choices mix effects or contraindications that aren’t typical for ACE inhibitors—for example, asthma is not a contraindication, recent myocardial infarction isn’t a defining contraindication, and hyponatremia or kidney stones aren’t characteristic concerns with ACE inhibitors.

The main concept is the adverse effects and contraindications of ACE inhibitors. Cough and hyperkalemia are classic adverse effects: the cough comes from bradykinin buildup in the airways, and potassium can rise because ACE inhibitors reduce aldosterone. A key contraindication is bilateral renal artery stenosis or a history of angioedema, since these conditions markedly increase the risk of kidney damage or life-threatening swelling when ACE activity is blocked.

This option captures those well-established facts. The other choices mix effects or contraindications that aren’t typical for ACE inhibitors—for example, asthma is not a contraindication, recent myocardial infarction isn’t a defining contraindication, and hyponatremia or kidney stones aren’t characteristic concerns with ACE inhibitors.