A patient who has pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is receiving epoprostenol [Flolan] at a rate of 210 ng/min using a portable pump. The patient weighs 70 kg. The patient calls the clinic to report headache, nausea, and vomiting. The nurse will counsel the patient to:

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Headache, nausea, and vomiting are common side effects of epoprostenol and are dose dependent. Patients should contact their provider to discuss these side effects and any necessary dosage adjustments. 100 ng/min is below the maintenance dose range for this patient; patients should not adjust doses without contacting the provider. The side effects are not serious and do not warrant hospitalization. Interruption of the drug can have life-threatening consequences.

A Patient Who Has Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) Is Receiving