A client with hypertension reports a persistent dry cough. What medication should the PN identify as a common cause of this side effect?

The persistent dry cough that the client is experiencing is commonly associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Lisinopril and Quinapril both belong to this drug class, which can lead to the development of a dry cough in some patients due to the accumulation of bradykinin, a substance that is normally broken down by angiotensin-converting enzyme.

In this context, Quinapril is correctly identified as it is indeed an ACE inhibitor and a well-known cause of dry cough. While Lisinopril would also be an appropriate answer due to its similar pharmacological action, Quinapril is specifically noted here.

On the other hand, Losartan and Amlodipine are not associated with causing a dry cough. Losartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) which does not generally cause this side effect since it does not increase bradykinin levels. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, also does not contribute to cough as a side effect, making it unrelated to the symptom presented by the client.