A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for an older adult client who has a new prescription for transdermal clonidine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Monitor the client for weight loss.
Advise the client about increased dry mouth.
Inform the client of the adverse effect of diarrhea.
Check the client for increased hypopigmentation under the patch.
The Correct Answer is B
Advise the client about increased dry mouth. Transdermal clonidine can cause xerostomia, or dry mouth, due to a decrease in salivary secretion. The nurse should advise the client to maintain good oral hygiene and to increase fluid intake to prevent oral and dental problems.
An explanation for incorrect choices:
A. Weight loss is not a common adverse effect or risk associated with transdermal clonidine.
C. Diarrhea can occur with transdermal clonidine, but it is not a common adverse effect or risk.
D. Hypopigmentation is rare with transdermal clonidine; it is more common with corticosteroids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B, a client who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago and the incision line is separating. This client requires immediate attention as a separating incision can indicate wound dehiscence or evisceration, which are surgical emergencies. Choice A is incorrect because although C. difficile is a serious infection, liquid stools are a common symptom and do not require immediate attention. Choice C is incorrect because intermittent coughing up clear sputum is a normal finding for a client with a tracheostomy, and does not indicate a change in the client's condition. Choice D is incorrect because the client fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10, which indicates a low level of pain.
Choice A: A client who has Clostridium difficile and has liquid stools is incorrect because although C. difficile is a serious infection, liquid stools are a common symptom and do not require immediate attention.
Choice C: A client who has a chronic tracheostomy and is intermittently coughing up clear sputum is incorrect because intermittent coughing up clear sputum is a normal finding for a client with a tracheostomy, and does not indicate a change in the client's condition.
Choice D: A client who fell 12 hours ago and reports pain as 4 on a scale of 0 to 10 is incorrect because the level of pain is low and does not require immediate attention.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity every 2 hours to monitor for any signs of compartment syndrome or impaired circulation. It is important to assess for the five Ps: pain, pulse, pallor, paresthesia, and paralysis. Using a hair dryer to relieve itching can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention. Positioning the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart can increase swelling and exacerbate pain. Immobilizing the client's fingers using a hand splint is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
Choice A (Use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the cast to relieve itching) is not an answer because it can cause burns and is not a recommended intervention.
Choice C (Position the fractured arm below the level of the client's heart) is not an answer because it can increase swelling and exacerbate pain.
Choice D (Immobilize the client's fingers using a hand splint) is not an answer because it is not indicated unless there is a finger fracture or injury.
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