A female client who is admitted to the mental health unit for opiate dependency is receiving clonidine 0.1 mg by mouth (PO) for withdrawal symptoms.
The client begins to complain of feeling nervous and tells the nurse that her bones are itching.
Which finding should the nurse identify as a contraindication for administering the medication?
Hypertension.
Apical heart rate 72 beats/minute.
Muscle weakness.
Blood pressure 90/76 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale:
Hypertension is not a contraindication for administering clonidine. In fact, clonidine is often used to treat hypertension. It works by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood, allowing your blood vessels to relax and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.
Choice B rationale:
An apical heart rate of 72 beats/minute is within the normal range (60-100 beats/minute) and would not be a contraindication for administering clonidine. Clonidine can lower heart rate, so it’s important to monitor heart rate, but a normal heart rate does not preclude its use.
Choice C rationale:
Muscle weakness is not a specific contraindication for the use of clonidine. While muscle weakness can be a side effect of many medications, it is not typically associated with clonidine. However, if a patient was experiencing severe or unusual muscle weakness, it would be important for the healthcare provider to evaluate this symptom.
Choice D rationale:
A blood pressure of 90/76 mm Hg could be a contraindication for the use of clonidine. Clonidine is a medication that is used to lower blood pressure, and if a patient’s blood pressure is already low, further lowering it could lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even shock. Therefore, it would be important to monitor the patient’s blood pressure closely while they are taking this medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Procure platelet products from the blood bank. Rationale: Procuring platelet products from the blood bank is a specialized task that requires specific training and authorization. It should be performed by licensed healthcare providers, such as nurses or physicians, rather than unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP).
Choice B rationale:
Titrate oxygen to the prescribed parameters. Rationale: Titrating oxygen to prescribed parameters requires clinical judgment and assessment skills, which are beyond the scope of practice for UAP. This task should be performed by licensed nurses or respiratory therapists.
Choice C rationale:
Monitor an intravenous infusion rate on an established schedule. Rationale: This is the correct answer. UAP can be trained to monitor intravenous (IV) infusion rates on an established schedule for clients who do not require complex adjustments. It is within their scope of practice to ensure that the IV is running at the prescribed rate and to report any abnormalities or concerns to the nursing staff.
Choice D rationale:
Insert a urinary catheter for an uncomplicated client. Rationale: Inserting a urinary catheter is a specialized nursing procedure that should only be performed by licensed nurses or healthcare providers. It is not within the scope of practice for UAP, even for uncomplicated cases.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
When a preoperative client expresses fear and uncertainty about undergoing surgery, the priority action for the practical nurse (PN) is to notify the charge nurse of the client's concerns. This is important because the charge nurse can coordinate appropriate interventions and support for the client, ensuring their emotional well-being and addressing their fears.
Let's evaluate the other options:
a) Encourage the client to continue with the scheduled surgery.
While it is important to provide support and reassurance to the client, simply encouraging them to continue with the scheduled surgery may not adequately address their specific concerns and fears. The charge nurse and the healthcare team should be involved to provide the necessary support and information to help alleviate the client's anxiety.
b) Document that the client has expressed concerns about the surgery.
Documenting the client's concerns is important for accurate record-keeping and continuity of care. However, it should not be the only action taken. Notifying the charge nurse is crucial to ensure appropriate follow-up and support for the client.
d) Remind the client that the consent has already been obtained.
Reminding the client that they have already signed the informed consent may not effectively address their fears and concerns. Reassurance and support should be provided, and involving the charge nurse and healthcare team is essential to address the client's emotional well-being.
In summary, when a preoperative client confides in the practical nurse (PN) about being frightened and unsure about undergoing surgery, the priority action is to notify the charge nurse of the client's concerns. This allows for appropriate interventions, support, and coordination of care to address the client's fears, ensure their emotional well-being, and provide necessary information about the surgical procedure.
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