A client has been taking famotidine at home. What teaching should the nurse include with the client?

A. Gynecomastia: Finasteride can cause hormonal changes by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to breast tissue enlargement in men. This is a known adverse effect requiring monitoring.

B. Reports of decreased ejaculate volume: Finasteride affects prostate tissue and semen production, and clients commonly report a reduction in ejaculate volume. Although benign, this side effect may affect sexual satisfaction and should be assessed.

C. Hypertension: Finasteride is not associated with elevated blood pressure and does not typically impact cardiovascular regulation. Monitoring for hypertension is not necessary unless other conditions are present.

D. Reports of libido enhancement: Libido enhancement is not expected with finasteride. In fact, decreased libido is a more common adverse effect due to its anti-androgenic properties affecting sexual function.

E. Tachycardia: Finasteride does not act on the cardiovascular system and is not linked to increased heart rate. Tachycardia is not a recognized adverse effect of this medication.

. The importance of consuming adequate amounts of fluids: Adequate fluid intake is essential when taking psyllium to prevent the formation of a thick, obstructive gel in the throat or intestines. Insufficient fluids may lead to esophageal or bowel obstruction, especially in older adults.

B. The onset of action is 30 to 60 minutes after administration: Psyllium typically takes 12 to 72 hours to produce a bowel movement. It works by absorbing water into the stool to increase bulk, and its action is not immediate.

C. The need to monitor for hypoglycemia: Psyllium may mildly lower blood glucose levels, particularly in patients with diabetes. However, routine hypoglycemia monitoring is not usually necessary unless the client is on antidiabetic medications and symptomatic.

D. The medication is best taken at bedtime: Psyllium should be taken with meals or right after meals, not at bedtime, to promote regular bowel movements. Taking it before bed may delay its effectiveness and increase the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or obstruction.