Which of the following patients should be closely monitored when prescribed tamsulosin hydrochloride?

Tamsulosin hydrochloride is commonly prescribed to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by relaxing muscle fibers in the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow. One of the notable side effects of tamsulosin is orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure that can occur when a patient stands up from sitting or lying down.

Patients with a history of hypotension are particularly vulnerable to this side effect. They may experience feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when starting this medication, necessitating close monitoring to manage and mitigate these potential symptoms. It is essential for healthcare providers to observe these patients for signs of worsening hypotension and to make appropriate adjustments to their treatment plans if necessary.

In contrast, while rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia are important health considerations and can have interactions with various medications, they do not have the same direct risk of orthostatic hypotension associated with the use of tamsulosin as those with a history of hypotension do. Thus, while all these patients might need monitoring for their specific conditions, the patient with a history of hypotension warrants particular vigilance when prescribed tamsulosin hydrochloride.