Which symptom should prompt medical attention for a patient on ARB therapy?

Which symptom should prompt medical attention for a patient on ARB therapy?

• A. Swelling of the face or tongue
• B. Blurred vision
• C. Persistent Cough
• D. Severe night sweats

Answer: (A)

Swelling of the face or tongue signals angioedema, a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction to ARB therapy because it can rapidly obstruct the airway. This makes it the most urgent symptom to report and requires immediate medical evaluation and discontinuation of the ARB if appropriate. Blurred vision isn’t a typical ARB side effect and could indicate other issues; a persistent cough is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors rather than ARBs; severe night sweats are not a standard ARB-related symptom. The takeaway is that facial or tongue swelling with ARB use demands prompt medical attention due to the risk of airway compromise.

Swelling of the face or tongue signals angioedema, a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction to ARB therapy because it can rapidly obstruct the airway. This makes it the most urgent symptom to report and requires immediate medical evaluation and discontinuation of the ARB if appropriate. Blurred vision isn’t a typical ARB side effect and could indicate other issues; a persistent cough is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors rather than ARBs; severe night sweats are not a standard ARB-related symptom. The takeaway is that facial or tongue swelling with ARB use demands prompt medical attention due to the risk of airway compromise.