A new patient on prazosin reports edema and ongoing dizziness. What is the most appropriate next step?

• A. Hold medication
• B. Call health care provider
• C. Determine the client's history
• D. Weigh the client

Answer: (C)

When a patient on prazosin reports dizziness and edema, the first step is to gather a thorough history and current data to understand what is causing these symptoms and what to do next. Prazosin can cause vasodilation leading to orthostatic dizziness and fluid retention causing edema, so knowing when the symptoms started, whether they occur with position changes, recent fluid intake, and any other medications or conditions that could contribute is essential. Asking about the onset and timing of dizziness (especially with standing), any fainting or near-fainting episodes, changes in weight or edema progression, kidney or heart disease, and other antihypertensives or NSAIDs helps distinguish medication-related effects from other problems. Measuring or confirming blood pressure and orthostatic changes, if possible, provides critical data to decide whether to monitor, adjust the dose, or notify the provider. Without these history and data, you can’t safely determine the appropriate next step.