The nurse is caring for a patient in the emergency department in a hypertensive crisis. He states he stopped taking his blood pressure medicine because it made him impotent. What should be the nurse's first response?
a. "You are right; blood pressure medications can cause erectile dysfunction. You should consider seeing a urologist for treatment."
b. "Yes, blood pressure medications can cause erectile dysfunction, but there are many different classes of drugs for high blood pressure. Let's ask your physician what might work better for you."
c. "No, it is a myth that blood pressure medications cause erectile dysfunction. You should see a urologist to look for other causes."
d. "No, blood pressure medications do not usually cause erectile dysfunction; it is the high blood pressure that can cause the problem. You need to be careful to take your medications to keep it under control."
ANS: B
Some classes of medications for hypertension can cause erectile dysfunction. Some men have been known to stop taking their blood pressure medication and risk a stroke or heart attack because the medication interfered with their sexual activity. Talking with the physician about other options should take place first. If a change in medication does not help, then a referral to a urologist might be in order.
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