A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia receives a new prescription of tamsulosin. Which intervention should the nurse perform to monitor for an adverse reaction?

Choice D reason: Probenecid is a uricosuric drug that increases the excretion of uric acid in the urine by inhibiting its reabsorption in the kidneys. Uric acid is a waste product that results from the breakdown of purines, which are found in certain foods and drinks, such as meat, seafood, beer, and wine. Probenecid is used to treat gout, a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints and cause inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness. By lowering uric acid levels in the blood, probenecid can prevent gout attacks and reduce joint damage.

Choice A reason: Increasing the strength of the urine stream is not a purpose of probenecid, but rather a possible effect of some medications that relax or dilate the urinary tract muscles, such as alpha-blockers or anticholinergics. These medications can help to improve urinary flow and reduce symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate gland, which can cause difficulty urinating or weak urine stream.

Choice B reason: Preventing the formation of kidney stones is not a purpose of probenecid, but rather a potential benefit of some medications that lower calcium or oxalate levels in the urine, such as thiazide diuretics or potassium citrate. These medications can help to prevent calcium oxalate stones, which are one of the most common types of kidney stones. Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.

Choice C reason: Decreasing pain and burning during urination is not a purpose of probenecid, but rather a desired outcome of some medications that treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as antibiotics or phenazopyridine. These medications can help to eliminate the bacteria that cause UTIs and relieve the discomfort and inflammation that they cause. UTIs are infections that affect the bladder, urethra, or kidneys and can cause frequent or urgent urination, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and fever.

Choice A reason: Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood, which can indicate a serious gastrointestinal bleeding caused by ibuprofen. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Choice B reason: Insomnia is the difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. It can be a side effect of ibuprofen, but it is not as serious or urgent as hematemesis. The nurse can advise the client to take ibuprofen with food or milk, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and practice good sleep hygiene.

Choice C reason: Dizziness is the feeling of lightheadedness, faintness, or unsteadiness. It can also be a side effect of ibuprofen, but it is usually mild and transient. The nurse can instruct the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid driving or operating machinery if dizzy.

Choice D reason: Nausea is the feeling of discomfort or unease in the stomach that may lead to vomiting. It can also be a side effect of ibuprofen, but it is usually manageable with simple measures. The nurse can suggest the client to take ibuprofen with food or milk, eat small and frequent meals, and avoid spicy or fatty foods.