When providing information about finasteride to a client with benign prostatic hyperplasia, what should the nurse emphasize?

Finasteride is a medication commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for prostate growth. It is crucial for patients taking finasteride, particularly male patients who may inadvertently expose pregnant women to the drug, to understand the teratogenic potential of finasteride. This medication can potentially cause abnormalities in a developing male fetus if a pregnant female is exposed to it, either through contact with the medication or through semen. Therefore, the importance of using a condom during sexual intercourse with a pregnant female is emphasized to prevent this risk.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the critical information surrounding the safe use of finasteride. For instance, the suggestion that it is safe to father children while taking finasteride overlooks the fact that while the risk is not well defined, caution is still advised due to its effects on hormone levels. Moreover, the assertion that results can be expected immediately fails to acknowledge that finasteride typically requires several months of treatment before the patient may notice symptom improvement. Lastly, claiming that finasteride works by increasing testosterone production is incorrect, as its mechanism actually involves decreasing the levels of DHT rather than