The nurse is caring for a patient who has been taking doxazosin (Cardura). He says, "I'm not going to take these drugs anymore, because they're interfering with my sex life." Select the nurse's best response
a. "It's unfortunate that these drugs can cause erectile dysfunction, but managing your blood pressure is more important than your sexual performance."
b. "I understand how discouraging it must be to live with this side effect, but you could have a stroke if you don't take your blood pressure drugs."
c. "Let's discuss this effect with your health care provider. There are other alpha adrenergic blockers and also drugs available to manage this side effect."
d. "I'm glad you told me about your experience with this side effect. Sexual per-formance can be a difficult subject to discuss."
C
The patient should be instructed to discuss the matter with his health care provider, because there are several ways to manage the side effects of doxazosin. An erectile dysfunction drug may be prescribed. Also, the patient may better tolerate a different alpha adrenergic blocker.
Telling the patient it is more important to manage the blood pressure is inappropriate; it is not a judgment call.
Telling the patient he could suffer a stroke is inappropriate, because it is a scare tactic and not the best response.
Encouraging the patient to discuss his sexuality is important, but the patient is looking for an-swers, not a therapist.
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