Which statement indicates Mr. Rogers needs further teaching about doxazosin?

Which statement indicates Mr. Rogers needs further teaching about doxazosin?

• A. I should report any dizziness or fainting episodes.
• B. I will take this medication to improve my urine flow.
• C. This medication may cause a rise in my blood pressure.
• D. I will need to take this medication for the rest of my life.

Answer: (C)

This question tests understanding of how doxazosin works and what side effects to expect. Doxazosin is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate to improve urine flow, and it also relaxes vascular smooth muscle to help lower blood pressure. Because of its blood pressure–lowering effect, it can cause dizziness or fainting, especially after the first dose or when rising from a sitting or standing position. It does not typically cause a rise in blood pressure; in fact, it can drop BP and trigger orthostatic hypotension. So the statement that it may cause a rise in blood pressure reveals a misunderstanding and indicates a need for more teaching. Key points to review include taking the first dose at bedtime, rising slowly to minimize dizziness, monitoring for lightheadedness or fainting, and reporting persistent or severe symptoms.

This question tests understanding of how doxazosin works and what side effects to expect. Doxazosin is an alpha-1 blocker that relaxes smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate to improve urine flow, and it also relaxes vascular smooth muscle to help lower blood pressure. Because of its blood pressure–lowering effect, it can cause dizziness or fainting, especially after the first dose or when rising from a sitting or standing position. It does not typically cause a rise in blood pressure; in fact, it can drop BP and trigger orthostatic hypotension. So the statement that it may cause a rise in blood pressure reveals a misunderstanding and indicates a need for more teaching. Key points to review include taking the first dose at bedtime, rising slowly to minimize dizziness, monitoring for lightheadedness or fainting, and reporting persistent or severe symptoms.