A male patient has been started on a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which information should the nurse provide?

Question

1. "Use a condom during intercourse."
2. "Keep this medication in a secure place away from children."
3. "Do not give blood while you are taking this medication."
4. "Do not do heavy exercise while taking this medication."
5. "Reduce your sodium intake while taking this drug."

Answer 1

1,2,3
Rationale 1: The patient should use a condom to prevent exposure of a female partner to semen, which may contain the drug.
Rationale 2: This drug is dangerous for children and should be kept in a secure place.
Rationale 3: The patient should not give blood during the time this medication is being taken and for up to a month after the drug is stopped.
Rationale 4: Heavy exercise is not restricted.
Rationale 5: There is no need to decrease sodium.

Global Rationale: The patient should use a condom to prevent exposure of a female partner to semen, which may contain the drug. This drug is dangerous for children and should be kept in a secure place. The patient should not give blood during the time this medication is being taken and for up to a month after the drug is stopped. Heavy exercise is not restricted. There is no need to decrease sodium.