๐ธ Take the first dose at bedtime โ CORRECT
๐ธ Terazosin is an alphaโ-adrenergic blocker that relaxes smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urinary flow in clients with BPH.
๐ธ Alphaโ blockade also causes peripheral vasodilation, which can lower blood pressure.
๐ธ The medication can produce a pronounced first-dose effect, especially when therapy is initiated.
๐ธ This first-dose effect may cause orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, weakness, or syncope.
๐ธ Taking the first dose at bedtime decreases the risk of injury if dizziness or fainting occurs.
๐ธ The client should avoid driving or performing hazardous activities until the response to the medication is known.
๐ธ Blood pressure should be monitored during initiation and dose adjustments because hypotension may occur.
๐ธ Bedtime administration is therefore an important safety strategy when beginning terazosin therapy.
๐ธ Get up slowly from a sitting position โ CORRECT
๐ธ Terazosin can cause orthostatic hypotension when the client changes position quickly.
๐ธ Rising slowly gives the cardiovascular system time to adjust to changes in blood pressure.
๐ธ The client should first sit at the edge of the bed before standing, especially after lying down for a prolonged period.
๐ธ Sudden standing can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or syncope.
๐ธ Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to falls associated with alpha-blocker therapy.
๐ธ The client should use support when standing if dizziness occurs.
๐ธ Adequate fall-prevention teaching is especially important during the first several days of therapy.
๐ธ Slow position changes help reduce the risk of injury from hypotension-related falls.
๐ธ Contact the clinic if palpitations occur โ CORRECT
๐ธ Terazosin can cause reflex tachycardia or palpitations as a response to peripheral vasodilation.
๐ธ Palpitations may indicate an exaggerated cardiovascular response to the medication.
๐ธ The client should report persistent or significant palpitations to the healthcare provider.
๐ธ The nurse should also teach the client to report fainting, severe dizziness, or chest discomfort.
๐ธ Cardiovascular symptoms warrant evaluation because dose adjustment may be needed.
๐ธ Monitoring is particularly important in clients who also take other antihypertensive medications.
๐ธ The nurse should reinforce that new cardiac symptoms should not simply be ignored as expected effects.
๐ธ Reporting palpitations allows early assessment for tachycardia or hemodynamic instability.