A 55-year-old patient who takes nitroglycerin for angina asks for a prescription to aid with erectile dysfunction. What should the nurse do in response to this patient's request?

Question

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The nurse should explain why the erectile dysfunction medication is not a good idea with the patient's nitroglycerin medication. Nitroglycerin is a medication used to treat angina, which is caused by coronary artery disease. Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction can also cause a significant decrease in blood pressure, which can be dangerous when combined with nitroglycerin. It is important to educate the patient about the potential risks and to refer them to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment options.

A 55-Year-Old Patient Who Takes Nitroglycerin for Angina Asks for a Prescription