When teaching a client about the medication nifedipine, which adverse effect should the nurse highlight as requiring provider notification?

Highlighting irregular heartbeat as an adverse effect that requires provider notification is crucial because it may indicate serious cardiac issues or an intolerance to the medication. Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker primarily used to treat hypertension and angina and may affect cardiac contractility and conduction, leading to irregular heart rhythms. Such changes can be alarming and may necessitate a modification in treatment, further evaluation, or intervention.

While headaches, fatigue, and nausea can be common and less severe side effects associated with nifedipine, they typically do not require immediate notification to a healthcare provider unless they are significantly impacting the patient's health or quality of life. In contrast, irregular heartbeat is a potential sign of more serious complications and warrants prompt assessment and management by a healthcare provider, emphasizing its significance as a critical point in medication education.