A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of benign prostate hypertrophy and a prescription for doxazosin. The client tells the nurse, “I do not want to take this medication.
I would prefer a natural therapy.” Which of the following supplements should the nurse suggest the client discuss with the provider?

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain.

Choice A is wrong because clozapine can cause weight gain, not weight loss, in some people. This can increase the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart problems. The nurse should advise the client to monitor their weight regularly and to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Choice B is wrong because ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is not an expected adverse effect of clozapine. However, clozapine can cause other ear problems, such as otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (outer ear infection). The nurse should instruct the client to report any ear pain, discharge, or hearing loss to their provider.

Choice D is wrong because diarrhoea is not a common adverse effect of clozapine. However, clozapine can cause constipation, which can be severe and lead to bowel obstruction or perforation. The nurse should advise the client to drink plenty of fluids, eat high-fibre foods, and use laxatives as prescribed by their provider.

Choice C is correct because fever is a serious adverse effect of clozapine that may indicate a life-threatening condition called

agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a severe reduction in white blood cells that can impair the immune system and increase the risk of infections. The nurse should instruct the client to notify their provider immediately if they develop a fever or any signs of infection, such as sore throat, cough, or flu-like symptoms. The client should also have regular blood tests to monitor their white blood cell count while taking clozapine.

Furosemide is a diuretic that is used to treat heart failure by reducing fluid retention and lowering blood pressure. It can cause some side effects, such as increased urination, thirst, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, nausea, and electrolyte imbalance.

Choice A is wrong because BUN (blood urea nitrogen) is a measure of kidney function and a normal range is 7 to 20 mg/dL.

A BUN of 15 mg/dL is not a cause for concern and does not indicate any adverse effect of furosemide.

Choice C is wrong because potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function and a normal range is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.

Potassium of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not indicate any adverse effect of furosemide. However, furosemide can cause low potassium levels (hypokalemia) in some cases, so the nurse should monitor the client’s potassium levels regularly and advise the client to eat foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes.

Choice D is wrong because dizziness upon standing is a common side effect of furosemide and does not require immediate notification of the provider. However, the nurse should instruct the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position to prevent falls and to drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration.

Choice B is correct because difficulty hearing or hearing loss is a rare but serious side effect of furosemide that may indicate ototoxicity (damage to the inner ear). This can be irreversible if not treated promptly and may affect the client’s quality of life and safety. The nurse should notify the provider immediately if the client reports difficulty hearing or any other signs of ototoxicity, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or vertigo (a sensation of spinning). The provider may need to adjust the dose of furosemide or switch to another diuretic that is less ototoxic.