A 68-year-old male patient receives a prescription for 25-mg ...

[cagreen833]

A 68-year-old male patient receives a prescription for 25-mg tablets of sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. When he asks the nurse how to take the medication, the nurse will tell him to:
 
  a. begin taking one tablet twice daily, 12 hours apart.
  b. start with one tablet about 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity.
  c. take 25 to 100 mg per dose 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity.
  d. take two tablets 1 hour before sexual activity with a high-fat meal.

Question 2

A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of sildenafil (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. If my erection lasts longer than 4 hours, I should contact my provider.
  b. I should not use nitroglycerin within 12 hours of using sildenafil.
  c. I should take this drug about 15 minutes before sexual activity.
  d. This drug may cause me to have an erection when I don't want one.

[jaymee143]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Patients older than 65 years should start with a low dose of 25 mg and may take the drug 1 hour before anticipated sexual activity. Sildenafil is taken when needed and not on a routine basis. Dosing at 25 to 100 mg per dose 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity is the standard recommendation for men younger than 65 years. Two tablets is a high dose; consumption of a high-fat meal would interfere with absorption of sildenafil.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Priapism can occur and can cause tissue damage to the penis, so an erection lasting longer than 4 hours should be reported. Patients who use nitroglycerin should not use sildenafil within 24 hours of taking this drug. Patients should be advised to take sildenafil 30 minutes to 4 hours before anticipated sexual activity. Sildenafil does not cause an erection without sexual stimuli.

[cagreen833]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[raenoj]

Gracias!