A patient who has pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)is receiving epoprostenol [Flolan] at a rate of 210 ng per minute 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 per minute 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 Epoprostenol