A hypertensive patient reports dizziness after taking their medication. What is the nurse's first action?

Antihypertensive medications can cause orthostatic hypotension, excessive vasodilation, or reduced cardiac output, leading to dizziness due to transient cerebral hypoperfusion. This requires prompt evaluation of hemodynamic status to determine severity and prevent complications such as syncope or falls. Rationale: A. Administering an anti-dizziness medication does not address the underlying cause of dizziness, which may be hypotension or bradycardia related to antihypertensive therapy. Symptom masking without assessment is unsafe. B. Continuing medication without assessment risks worsening hypotension or adverse drug effects. While adherence is important, patient safety requires evaluation before reinforcing medication continuation. C. Assessing blood pressure and heart rate is the first and most critical nursing action to determine whether dizziness is due to hypotension, bradycardia, or other cardiovascular instability. This guides further intervention and ensures patient safety. D. Increasing fluid intake may be appropriate in some cases of mild dehydration, but it is not the priority action without first determining hemodynamic status. Dizziness in hypertensive patients on medication requires assessment before education or intervention.