A nurse is caring for a client who is taking furosemide. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?

Metoclopramide is a medication commonly used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While it is generally well-tolerated, it can have some adverse effects. Sedation is one of the common side effects of metoclopramide. It can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and a feeling of tiredness in some individuals. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for any signs of sedation or excessive drowsiness, especially when the client starts taking the medication or when the dose is increased.

Hypertension: Metoclopramide is not known to cause hypertension (high blood pressure) as a common side effect. In fact, it may have a mild hypotensive (blood pressure-lowering) effect in some individuals.

Urinary retention: Metoclopramide does not typically cause urinary retention. Instead, it can enhance gastrointestinal motility and increase the frequency of bowel movements.

Blurred vision: While visual disturbances are rare adverse effects of metoclopramide, blurred vision is not a commonly reported side effect. However, other visual disturbances like oculogyric crisis (involuntary rolling back of the eyes) have been reported in rare cases. Nevertheless, monitoring for blurred vision specifically is not a priority when administering metoclopramide.

When the client experiences cramping during the enema administration, it indicates that the colon is becoming distended. By allowing the client to expel some of the fluid, the pressure in the colon is reduced, which can help alleviate the discomfort and cramping. The nurse should pause the administration of the enema and allow the client to release some fluid before continuing.

The other options mentioned are not appropriate or effective actions to relieve the client's discomfort:

Lowering the height of the solution container: Lowering the height of the solution container will decrease the force of the fluid flow but may not address the underlying cause of the cramping. Allowing the client to expel some fluid is a more appropriate intervention.

Stopping the enema and documenting that the client did not tolerate the procedure: While it is important to monitor the client's tolerance during the procedure, abruptly stopping the enema and documenting intolerance may not be necessary if the discomfort can be relieved by allowing the client to expel some fluid. The nurse should prioritize relieving the discomfort before deciding to stop the procedure.

Encouraging the client to bear down: Bearing down or pushing can increase intra-abdominal pressure and exacerbate the cramping. This action is not recommended in this situation.