In men taking alpha-blockers for BPH, what orthostatic risk exists and what nursing instruction mitigates this risk?

• A. Hypertension and tachycardia; advise caffeine
• B. Orthostatic hypotension and dizziness; instruct to change positions slowly, monitor blood pressure, take meds at night if prescribed, assess hydration
• C. No orthostatic risk; no instruction
• D. Hypoglycemia; monitor glucose

Answer: (B)

Alpha-blockers used for BPH can cause orthostatic hypotension because they dilate peripheral vessels, lowering blood pressure. When a person moves from lying or sitting to standing, the sudden drop in venous return can lead to dizziness or faintness. To reduce this risk, nursing instruction focuses on preventing abrupt changes in posture and supporting hemodynamic stability: change positions slowly, monitor blood pressure, take the medication at night if prescribed to minimize daytime symptoms, and assess hydration to maintain adequate intravascular volume. This combination directly addresses the postural BP drop and the resulting dizziness. Other options don’t fit because these medications don’t typically cause hypertension or hypoglycemia, and caffeine isn’t an established mitigation. The key point is recognizing the postural BP change and implementing slow movements, BP monitoring, timing of dosing, and hydration as protective strategies.