For losartan therapy, which assessment data indicates the desired outcome has been achieved?

For losartan therapy, which assessment data indicates the desired outcome has been achieved?

• A. Serum potassium level
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Respiratory rate
• D. Heart rate

Answer: (B)

Losartan is used to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, so the primary sign that the therapy is working is a reduction in blood pressure toward the target range. While you also monitor potassium because ARBs can raise it, a normal or elevated potassium level doesn't indicate that the blood pressure has been controlled. Respiratory rate and heart rate aren’t reliable measures of the antihypertensive effect. Therefore, a decreased blood pressure toward the goal shows the desired outcome has been achieved.

Losartan is used to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, so the primary sign that the therapy is working is a reduction in blood pressure toward the target range. While you also monitor potassium because ARBs can raise it, a normal or elevated potassium level doesn't indicate that the blood pressure has been controlled. Respiratory rate and heart rate aren’t reliable measures of the antihypertensive effect. Therefore, a decreased blood pressure toward the goal shows the desired outcome has been achieved.