A client with benign prostatic receives a new prescription of tamsulosin. Which intervention should the nurse use to monitor an adverse reaction?
A.
Assess urine output.
B.
Perform a bladder scan.
C.
Monitor blood pressure.
D.
Obtain daily weights.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Monitor blood pressure.
Explanation:
Tamsulosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist primarily used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by relaxing the smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, which helps improve urinary flow. However, one of the significant adverse reactions associated with tamsulosin is orthostatic hypotension, which can lead to dizziness or fainting, particularly when standing up. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure is crucial for detecting any significant changes that could indicate this adverse effect.
Rationale for the Other Options:
- A. Assess urine output: While monitoring urine output is important for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment in managing BPH symptoms, it does not directly assess the potential adverse effects of tamsulosin.
- B. Perform a bladder scan: This intervention can help determine bladder distension and post-void residual urine, which may be useful for assessing the effectiveness of tamsulosin. However, it is not specifically related to monitoring adverse reactions.
- D. Obtain daily weights: Daily weights can help identify fluid retention or significant weight changes, but this is not a primary focus for monitoring tamsulosin’s adverse reactions.
Clinical Implications:
When administering tamsulosin, nurses should educate patients about the potential for dizziness and advise them to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions. Regular blood pressure checks, particularly upon standing, are essential to ensure that the client does not experience orthostatic hypotension. If the patient reports symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, further evaluation and possible adjustment of the medication may be necessary. Overall, monitoring blood pressure effectively helps ensure the client’s safety while managing their BPH symptoms with tamsulosin.