A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia has been prescribed tamsulosin. What should the nurse do to monitor for an adverse reaction?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationaleTamsulosin is an alpha-blocker that relaxes the smooth muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow. However, it can also cause hypotension, dizziness, and fainting as adverse effects. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure is essential for clients taking tamsulosin.Choice B rationaleWhile assessing the client’s urine output is an important part of monitoring a client with benign prostatic hyperplasia, it is not specifically related to monitoring for adverse reactions to tamsulosin.Choice C rationalePerforming a bladder scan can be useful in assessing the client’s urinary retention, a common symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, it is not specifically related to monitoring for adverse reactions to tamsulosin.Choice D rationaleObtaining the client’s daily weights can be useful in monitoring fluid balance, but it is not specifically related to monitoring for adverse reactions to tamsulosin.