The nurse is preparing to administer a first dose of benztropine (Cogentin) to a patient diagnosed with parkinsonism. The nurse would notify the patient’s provider if the patient had a history of which condition?

A) Irritable bowel disease: Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication that can reduce gastrointestinal motility, which might exacerbate constipation. However, irritable bowel disease (IBD) is not a contraindication for using benztropine. The drug is more likely to cause concern in conditions where smooth muscle relaxation could worsen symptoms of constipation, but it is not typically withheld due to IBD alone. B) Glaucoma: Glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma, is a contraindication for benztropine use. Benztropine, as an anticholinergic agent, can cause pupil dilation (mydriasis), which can increase intraocular pressure and worsen glaucoma. This is a critical concern for patients with glaucoma, and the healthcare provider should be notified before administering the drug. C) Asthma: While benztropine can have mild anticholinergic effects that may cause dryness of the respiratory tract, it is not a contraindication for asthma. Beta-agonist inhalers are more commonly prescribed to manage bronchospasm, but the use of benztropine in asthma is not typically harmful unless the patient is experiencing severe respiratory distress. Asthma would not be a primary concern when administering this medication. D) Hypertension: Benztropine does not directly affect blood pressure in a way that would be a concern for someone with hypertension. While it may cause some mild autonomic changes (like dry mouth or dizziness), hypertension is not a contraindication for the medication. Therefore, there is no specific need to notify the healthcare provider due to a history of hypertension.