A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving heparin by continuous IV infusion.
Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer in the event of an overdose?

Choice A rationale

Finasteride, a medication used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, can cause several side effects, including a decrease in libido or sexual desire.

Choice B rationale

There’s no specific interaction between finasteride and grapefruit juice. Therefore, patients don’t need to avoid grapefruit juice when taking this medication.

Choice C rationale

Finasteride can actually cause a decrease in PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels. If a patient is having a PSA test, they should tell their doctor they are taking finasteride because it can affect the results.

Choice D rationale

It may take up to six months or more to see the full effects of finasteride. Therefore, patients should not expect to see a response within one week.

Choice A rationale

Confusion or disorientation can be a normal part of the dying process. As the body systems start to shut down, changes in mental status, including confusion, can occur.

Choice B rationale

Sundowning is a phenomenon that is typically associated with dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, and is characterized by confusion and agitation that gets worse in the late afternoon and evening. It is not specifically associated with the dying process.

Choice C rationale

While anxiety can occur at any stage of illness, it is not the most appropriate response in this context. The family member is specifically asking about confusion, not anxiety.

Choice D rationale

Needing more rest could be a part of the dying process, but it does not directly address the family member’s concern about confusion.