A 55-year-old patient who takes nitroglycerin for angina asks for ...

[tichca]

A 55-year-old patient who takes nitroglycerin for angina asks for a prescription to aid with erectile dysfunction. What should the nurse do in response to this patient's request?
 
  1. Explain why the erectile dysfunction medication is not a good idea with the heart medication.
  2. Provide education about the medication once the prescription is provided.
  3. Remind the patient to stop taking the heart medication when planning to take the erectile dysfunction medication.
  4. Suggest a behavioral health consult to analyze the reason for the erectile dysfunction.

Question 2

A male patient with type I diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease is able to achieve an erection but cannot maintain it. What could be done to assist this patient?
 
  1. Suggest an O ring.
  2. Provide tadalafil (Cialis) teaching material.
  3. Provide sildenafil (Viagra) teaching material.
  4. Discuss penile implant surgery.

[juiceman1987]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
The use of medications for erectile dysfunction is contraindicated for the patient who is taking medications used to manage cardiac conditions. Sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra) should not be taken by men who are also taking nitrate-based drugs. Tadalafil (Cialis) should not be taken if the man is also taking nitrates. Discontinuing cardiac drugs is not advisable. A behavioral health consult would not be the first or primary suggestion in this case as physical issues should be explored.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
When managing an erectile dysfunction condition, the least invasive treatments should be employed first. The least invasive measure would be to provide or offer information about the O ring, which is a small band placed on the base of the penis that helps to maintain an erection. Since the patient has coronary artery disease, it is assumed that the patient might be prescribed nitroglycerin for transient chest pain. Erectile dysfunction medications would be contraindicated in this case. Penile implant surgery may not be an option due to this patient's physical health and is an invasive procedure. Other options should be considered first, before surgery is considered.

[tichca]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[scottmt]

TYSM