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A patient has been prescribed sildenafil. What should the nurse teach the patient about this medication?

  • A. Sexual stimulation is not needed to obtain an erection.
  • B. The drug should be taken 1 hour prior to intercourse.
  • C. Facial flushing or headache should be reported to the physician immediately.
  • D. The drug has the potential to cause permanent visual changes.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because sildenafil works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, which is released during sexual stimulation to relax the muscles in the penis and increase blood flow for an erection. Therefore, sexual stimulation is necessary for the medication to be effective.

Explanation of other choices:
B: While sildenafil is typically taken 30 minutes to 4 hours before sexual activity, it does not need to be exactly 1 hour prior.
C: Facial flushing and headache are common side effects of sildenafil but do not require immediate reporting unless severe or persistent.
D: Sildenafil may cause temporary visual disturbances like changes in color vision, but permanent visual changes are rare.