The health care provider prescribes finasteride (Proscar) for a 67-year-old patient who has benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When teaching the patient about the drug, the nurse informs him that
a. he should change position from lying to standing slowly to avoid dizziness.
b. his interest in sexual activity may decrease while he is taking the medication.
c. improvement in the obstructive symptoms should occur within about 2 weeks.
d. he will need to monitor his blood pressure frequently to assess for hypertension.
ANS: B
A decrease in libido is a side effect of finasteride because of the androgen suppression that occurs with the drug. Although orthostatic hypotension may occur if the patient is also taking a medication for erectile dysfunction (ED), it should not occur with finasteride alone. Improvement in symptoms of obstruction takes about 6 months. The medication does not cause hypertension.
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