RCIS Practice Test 2026 – All-in-One Exam Prep

Cough is a common effect of ACE inhibitors due to their mechanism of action. ACE inhibitors work by blocking the angiotensin-converting enzyme, which reduces the production of angiotensin II, leading to vasodilation and lowering blood pressure. However, this inhibition also results in the accumulation of bradykinin, a peptide that can irritate the respiratory tract. This irritation often manifests as a dry, persistent cough in some patients.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical effects associated with ACE inhibitors. For example, these medications generally do not increase heart rate; rather, they may lead to a decrease in heart rate due to lower blood pressure. Additionally, ACE inhibitors are known to reduce blood pressure rather than increase it, making this a key characteristic of their therapeutic effects. Lastly, while ACE inhibitors can influence kidney function, they are typically not associated with a reduction in kidney function in well-monitored patients; instead, they can actually protect the kidneys in certain conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes.