A nurse is admitting a client to the psychiatric unit after attempting suicide. The client states, "My family does not care whether I live or die."

Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A is incorrect because diarrhea is not an adverse effect of clonidine, but rather a symptom of other conditions such as infection, inflammation, or food intolerance.
• B is correct because dry mouth is a common adverse effect of clonidine, which is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces sympathetic nervous system activity.
• C is incorrect because photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is not an adverse effect of clonidine, but rather a symptom of other conditions such as migraine, eye injury, or infection.
• D is incorrect because bruising, or bleeding under the skin, is not an adverse effect of clonidine, but rather a symptom of other conditions such as coagulation disorders, vitamin deficiency, or trauma.

"Have you had any stomach pain or bloody stools?"

Rationale:

• A. Muscle stiffness is not a common or serious adverse effect of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an antiinflammatory drug that can reduce pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.
• B. Stomach pain or bloody stools are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious and potentially fatal adverse effect of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause ulceration, perforation, and hemorrhage of the stomach or intestines . The nurse should ask the client about any gastrointestinal symptoms and advise them to avoid alcohol, smoking, and other NSAIDs while taking ibuprofen.
• C. Dry cough is not a common or serious adverse effect of ibuprofen. Dry cough is more likely to be caused by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which are used to treat hypertension and heart failure.
• D. Increase in urine output is not a common or serious adverse effect of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen can cause renal impairment, which can lead to decreased urine output, not increased urine output. The nurse should monitor the client's renal function tests and fluid balance while taking ibuprofen.