Author Question: A nurse is providing patient education on the therapeutic effects of prazosin (Minipress). The ... (Read 106 times)

savannahhooper · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is providing patient education on the therapeutic effects of prazosin (Minipress). The patient demonstrates understanding when he states that it will benefit which of the following health alterations he is experiencing?

a. Hypotension
b. Liver failure
c. Hypertension
d. Nasal congestion

Question 2

A nurse is providing patient education to a 52-year-old man who has returned for a follow-up visit 3 weeks after starting an alpha antagonist for hypertension. The patient is upset because the medication has caused problems with ejaculation.

The nurse's best response would be which of the following statements?
a. The problem will be resolved when the drug is discontinued. We can talk to the doctor about a different medication.
b. The ejaculatory problem is probably a result of your hypertension, and this is likely to be permanent.
c. The ejaculatory problem is not as significant as your uncontrolled hypertension. Perhaps you should consider counseling.
d. You should stay on the medication for 12 months before changing, regardless of the side effects.

Leostella20 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Prazosin is a centrally acting sympatholytic that stimulates alpha receptors in the central nervous system to inhibit vasoconstriction, thus reducing peripheral resistance, which reduces blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
Prazosin, an adrenergic blocker, is used to treat hypertension, not hypotension.
Prazosin is contraindicated in patients with impaired liver function, and therefore would not be used for a patient in liver failure.
Prazosin is not used to relieve patients of nasal congestion.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Ejaculatory problems are a side effect of alpha antagonists used for hypertension. If the patient expresses concern about this side effect, he should be instructed to discuss it with his prescriber, as well as alternative medications that might be available to treat his hypertension. Telling a patient that a problem will be resolved once the drug is discontinued disregards the immediacy of the patient's concern.
Erectile dysfunction may be due to the hypertension secondary to vasoconstriction of the blood vessels. This should be discussed with the prescriber.
The nurse should not belittle the patient's concerns by recommending counseling. These concerns are real, and the patient should be told that he should discuss them with the prescriber, because alternative medications may be available that can be used to treat his hypertension.
Ignoring the patient's concerns about the side effects of a medication is irresponsible of the nurse. The nurse should recommend that the patient discuss his concerns with the prescriber, as well as alternative medications to treat his hypertension.