When teaching a client about terazosin for BPH, which instruction is essential?

Terazosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocker commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One of the key side effects of terazosin is orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. This can lead to dizziness or fainting, particularly when a patient changes positions quickly. Therefore, it is crucial for patients to be instructed to change positions slowly—from lying down to sitting, and from sitting to standing—to mitigate this risk.

By emphasizing this instruction, patients can understand the importance of being cautious while altering their body position and help prevent potential falls or injuries associated with dizziness from a drop in blood pressure. Other options, while they may contain some important information, do not address the immediate and significant risk associated with terazosin therapy in a way that directly impacts safety.