A client who was prescribed lisinopril experiences swelling of the lips, eyes, and tongue. What are these symptoms likely related to?

The symptoms described, including swelling of the lips, eyes, and tongue, are characteristic of angioedema, which can be a serious side effect of lisinopril. Angioedema is a localized swelling that occurs beneath the skin and is often associated with allergic reactions or medication side effects, particularly with ACE inhibitors like lisinopril.

In the case of lisinopril, angioedema can occur due to the medication's effect on bradykinin levels, which can increase during treatment. The presentation of these symptoms indicates a potential risk of airway obstruction, necessitating immediate medical attention. Thus, recognizing that the symptoms are indicative of angioedema is crucial for timely management and treatment.

The connection to an allergic reaction is indeed relevant; however, the specific manifestation of these symptoms aligns more directly with the diagnosis of angioedema rather than a generalized allergic reaction. Other options, such as drug interactions or acute renal failure, do not explain the specific symptomatology observed in this situation.