A nurse is assigning task roles for a group of clients in a community mental health clinic. Which of the following tasks should the nurse assign to the member of the group functioning as the orienteer?

• 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.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should include the statement, "Use a product with DEET on your skin and clothes when you are walking in a wooded area," in the educational program on Lyme disease. DEET is a widely used insect repellent effective against ticks. It is recommended to prevent tick bites in wooded and grassy areas. The rationale behind this choice is to educate the public about practical measures to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. DEET repels ticks, reducing the chances of tick attachment and, consequently, the transmission of Lyme disease.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "Symptoms of Lyme disease appear 2 days after being bitten by an infected tick," is incorrect. The incubation period for Lyme disease can vary from 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days but can take longer to manifest. Providing inaccurate information can lead to misunderstanding and inadequate preventive measures.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "Remove embedded ticks by squeezing the body with tweezers," is incorrect. Improper removal of ticks, such as squeezing the body, can lead to the injection of tick fluids into the host, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The correct method for tick removal is to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. This helps ensure the tick is removed entirely and reduces the risk of infection.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "If bitten by a tick, testing for Lyme disease should occur within 2 weeks," is incorrect. Testing for Lyme disease immediately after a tick bite is not recommended because it takes time for the body to produce antibodies detectable by the tests. Testing too early can yield false-negative results. Healthcare providers may recommend testing if symptoms develop, but waiting for a few weeks after the bite increases the accuracy of the test results.