A nurse is providing teaching about nifedipine for a client who is at 34 weeks of gestation and has gestational hypertension.For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to notify the provider?
Explanation & Rationale
Choice A rationaleIrregular heartbeat (palpitations or arrhythmias) can indicate a serious cardiovascular side effect of nifedipine. It requires immediate medical attention as it could compromise maternal and fetal circulation.Choice B rationaleHair loss is not a known adverse effect of nifedipine and generally does not pose a significant health risk. It is more commonly associated with hormonal changes rather than medication side effects.Choice C rationaleIncreased salivation is not a common side effect of nifedipine. Nifedipine primarily affects the cardiovascular system rather than salivary glands.Choice D rationalePause is not a recognized adverse effect related to nifedipine usage. The term itself is ambiguous and not typically associated with the pharmacological profile of nifedipine.