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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An altered level of consciousness is not a typical finding in Alzheimer's disease. This condition is characterized by cognitive decline and memory impairment, but consciousness itself is not directly affected.
Choice B rationale:
Rapid mood swings can occur in individuals with Alzheimer's disease due to the changes in brain structure and function. These mood swings are a common behavioral symptom. However, the more distinctive hallmark of Alzheimer's disease is the cognitive decline rather than mood swings.
Choice C rationale:
Excessive motor activity is not a prominent feature of Alzheimer's disease. Instead, individuals with Alzheimer's disease often experience a decline in motor skills and coordination as the disease progresses.
Choice D rationale:
Failure to recognize familiar objects is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. This is referred to as agnosia, where individuals may struggle to recognize familiar people, objects, or places. It results from the progressive damage to brain regions responsible for memory and sensory processing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. “Curling’s ulcer.”
Choice A rationale:
Elevated blood pressure is not a common complication specifically associated with partial-thickness burns. It may occur due to pain or stress but is not the most critical complication to anticipate.
Choice B rationale:
Curling’s ulcer, a type of stress ulcer, is a significant complication that can develop in burn patients due to the stress response and reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice C rationale:
Compartment syndrome is more commonly associated with circumferential full-thickness burns rather than partial-thickness burns.
Choice D rationale:
Excruciating pain is a symptom rather than a complication. While pain management is crucial, it is not the most critical complication to anticipate.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.