A nurse is collecting data from a client who has been taking diazepam several times per day but recently ran out of the medication.
Which of the following findings should the nurse recognize as a manifestation of withdrawal from diazepam?

Choice A rationale:

A urine output of 600 mL in 8 hours is within the normal range. The average urine output for adults is about 1 to 2 liters per day.

Choice B rationale:

Clonidine is an antihypertensive medication. If the client’s blood pressure is already low (88/50 mm Hg), administering clonidine could further lower the blood pressure and cause hypotension.

Choice C rationale:

A heart rate of 110/min is slightly high, but it’s not a direct indication to withhold clonidine. Clonidine can actually help lower an elevated heart rate by reducing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood.

Choice D rationale:

A blood glucose level of 70 mg/dL is at the lower end of the normal range (70-100 mg/dL) However, clonidine does not directly affect blood glucose levels, so this would not be a reason to withhold the medication.

Choice A rationale:

Dry mouth is a common side effect of diphenhydramine. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is often used to treat allergies, insomnia, and symptoms of the common cold. It works by blocking the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms. One of the effects of histamine is increased salivation, so when diphenhydramine blocks this effect, it can lead to dry mouth.

Choice B rationale:

Nausea is also a common side effect of diphenhydramine. This can occur because diphenhydramine can slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to feelings of nausea. Additionally, diphenhydramine can affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which can also lead to feelings of nausea.

Choice C rationale:

Agitation is considered an idiosyncratic reaction to diphenhydramine. An idiosyncratic reaction is an unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug that is not related to the usual pharmacological action of the drug. While diphenhydramine is typically used for its sedative effects, in some cases it can cause paradoxical central nervous system stimulation, leading to agitation.

Choice D rationale:

Dizziness is another common side effect of diphenhydramine. This occurs because diphenhydramine can affect the vestibular system in the inner ear, which plays a key role in maintaining balance. When this system is affected, it can lead to feelings of dizziness.