A male patient of African-American descent is prescribed hydralazine and isosorbide (BiDil) as treatment for heart failure. What should the nurse instruct the patient about this medication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) "Change positions slowly" is important to prevent orthostatic hypotension, a potential side effect of hydralazine.
C) Headache is a common side effect of isosorbide and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
D) Chest pain can be a sign of an adverse reaction to the medication and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.
E) Isosorbide can interact with medications used to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra) and cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Patients should be instructed to avoid taking these medications while on isosorbide.

A Male Patient of African-American Descent Is Prescribed Hydralazine and Isosorbide