A patient who has pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is receiving epoprostenol [Flolan] at a rate of 210 ng per minute using a portable pump. The patient weighs 70 kg. The patient calls the clinic to report headache, nausea, and vomiting
The nurse will counsel the patient to: a. decrease the infusion to 100 ng per minute.
b. discuss these side effects with the provid-er.
c. prepare for a hospital admission.
d. stop the infusion and contact the provider.
B
Headache, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of epoprostenol and are dose depen-dent. Patients should contact their provider to discuss these side effects and any necessary dosage adjustments. 100 ng per minute is below the maintenance dose range for this patient; patients should not adjust doses without contacting the provider. The side effects are not serious and do not warrant hospitalization. Interruption of the drug can have life-threatening consequences.
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