An 89-year-old patient is taking an antihypertensive medication.What should the nurse include when providing home care teaching?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should include teaching the patient to get up out of bed slowly to prevent orthostatic hypotension, a common side effect of antihypertensive medications. Taking hot baths can also worsen orthostatic hypotension, so the nurse should advise the patient to use caution when taking baths or showers. While sexual dysfunction is a potential side effect of some antihypertensive medications, it is not common in all patients and may not occur in the 89-year-old patient. The nurse should advise the patient to report any side effects to the healthcare provider rather than stopping the medication on their own.

An 89-Year-Old Patient Is Taking an Antihypertensive Medication