What precaution should a nurse emphasize to a client when starting terazosin for BPH?

When starting terazosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), it is crucial for the nurse to emphasize the importance of changing positions slowly after taking the medication. Terazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist that works by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, which helps relieve urinary symptoms associated with BPH. However, this medication can also cause vasodilation and lower blood pressure, leading to potential side effects like orthostatic hypotension. This condition can result in dizziness or fainting, especially when a person moves from a sitting or lying position to standing up quickly. Therefore, instructing patients to change positions slowly helps mitigate the risk of these adverse effects and ensures their safety while on the medication.