A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia receives a new prescription of tamsulosin. Which intervention should the nurse perform to monitor for an adverse reaction?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A reason: Performing a bladder scan is not the most relevant intervention for monitoring an adverse reaction to tamsulosin. A bladder scan is a non-invasive test that measures the amount of urine in the bladder. It can be used to assess urinary retention, which is a common symptom of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tamsulosin is a medication that relaxes the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck, which can improve urine flow and reduce urinary retention. However, a bladder scan does not indicate how the medication is affecting the client's blood pressure, which is a more serious concern.Choice B reason: Assessing urine output is not the most relevant intervention for monitoring an adverse reaction to tamsulosin. Urine output is the amount of urine produced by the kidneys and excreted by the bladder. It can be used to evaluate the client's fluid balance and kidney function. Tamsulosin is a medication that can improve urine flow and reduce urinary retention in clients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, urine output does not indicate how the medication is affecting the client's blood pressure, which is a more serious concern.Choice C reason: Measuring blood pressure is the most relevant intervention for monitoring an adverse reaction to tamsulosin. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of the arteries. It can be affected by various factors, such as heart rate, blood volume, and vascular resistance. Tamsulosin is a medication that belongs to the class of alpha-blockers, which can lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels. This can cause side effects such as dizziness, fainting, and orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions. The nurse should measure the client's blood pressure regularly and report any abnormal findings to the healthcare provider.Choice D reason: Monitoring daily weights is not the most relevant intervention for monitoring an adverse reaction to tamsulosin. Daily weights are a measure of the client's body mass, which can reflect changes in fluid status and nutritional intake. Tamsulosin is a medication that can improve urine flow and reduce urinary retention in clients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, daily weights do not indicate how the medication is affecting the client's blood pressure, which is a more serious concern.