Question

A nurse in a provider's office is caring for a client requesting sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction. Which statement should the nurse make?

a. "You might need to take a stool softener while taking this medication."
b. "You will not be able to use sildenafil if you have diabetes."
c. "You will need to limit your caffeine intake if you start taking sildenafil."
d. "You will not be able to use sildenafil if you are taking nitroglycerin."

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the patient that sildenafil cannot be used concurrently with nitroglycerin due to the risk of severe hypotension. Sildenafil is effective for treating ED, but those with cardiac disease or on nitrates must consult their healthcare provider.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement a nurse should make to a patient requesting sildenafil for erectile dysfunction is: "You will not be able to use sildenafil if you are taking nitroglycerin." Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that was originally tested for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris but showed unexpected results of inducing erection and priapism. It is now used primarily to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and is effective in approximately 70 to 85 percent of cases. However, there is a significant interaction with nitrates like nitroglycerin, which are often prescribed for heart conditions, that can cause severe hypotension or a drop in blood pressure, potentially leading to death. Therefore, patients with cardiac disease or those taking nitrate medication must discuss with their healthcare provider before using sildenafil.