A.B. drew the line at starting an
antihypertensive medication—the
angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitor enalapril (Vasotec), 5 mg
daily. He stated that one new medication
at a time was enough and that
“too many medications would make a
sick man out of me.” His perception
of the state of his health as being represented
by the number of medications
prescribed for him gave the
advanced practice nurse an important
insight into the patient’s health belief
system. The patient’s wife also
believed that a “natural solution” was
better than medication for treating
blood pressure.