For which client would a healthcare provider prescribe a smaller starting dose of Losartan due to their medical history?

A smaller starting dose of Losartan would be prescribed for a client with hepatic impairment due to the way the drug is metabolized in the body. Losartan is primarily processed by the liver, and patients with liver dysfunction may have impaired clearance of the medication, leading to higher drug levels in the system. This increased exposure can heighten the risk of side effects and adverse reactions, making it important to initiate treatment with a lower dose to ensure safety and effectiveness.

In contrast, while the other clients mentioned may also require careful consideration when prescribing medications, factors such as pregnancy, age, or the presence of hypertension do not inherently necessitate a smaller starting dose of Losartan to the same extent as hepatic impairment. For example, pregnant patients might require a different antihypertensive due to safety concerns rather than a dose adjustment, and elderly patients are typically managed with caution, but not necessarily with reduced dosages unless specific renal or hepatic conditions are present.