An adult who has recurrent episodes of depression tells the nurse that the prescribed antidepressant needs to be discontinued because the client is feeling better after taking the medication for the past couple of weeks and does not like the side effects. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

Tell the client to discuss the medication side effects with the healthcare provider.

Tell the client that the medication's side effects will most likely dissipate over time.

Inform the client that gradual tapering must be used to discontinue the medication.

Remind the client that feeling better is the therapeutic effect of the medication.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The correct answer is choice c. Inform the client that gradual tapering must be used to discontinue the medication.

Choice A rationale:

While discussing medication side effects with the healthcare provider is important, it does not address the immediate concern of discontinuing the medication safely. The nurse should provide guidance on the proper discontinuation process.

Choice B rationale:

Telling the client that side effects will most likely dissipate over time may not be accurate for all individuals and does not address the client’s desire to stop the medication.

Choice C rationale:

Informing the client that gradual tapering must be used to discontinue the medication is crucial. Abruptly stopping antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a potential relapse of depression.

Choice D rationale:

Reminding the client that feeling better is the therapeutic effect of the medication is true, but it does not address the client’s concern about discontinuing the medication safely.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

Nursing Interventions for Client Starting Clonazepam:

The following nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam 0.25 mg PO every 12 hours:

a. Screen for orthostatic hypotension:

Rationale:

Clonazepam,like other benzodiazepines,can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression,which can lead to hypotension,particularly orthostatic hypotension.This occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing due to impaired autonomic nervous system regulation.
Screening for orthostatic hypotension involves measuring the client's blood pressure and heart rate while lying down and then again after standing for 3 minutes.A significant drop in blood pressure (systolic decrease of 20 mmHg or diastolic decrease of 10 mmHg) or increase in heart rate (over 20 beats per minute) indicates orthostatic hypotension.
Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is crucial to prevent falls and other complications,especially in older adults or those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

b. Provide oral care at least twice a day:

Rationale:

Clonazepam can cause dry mouth as a side effect,which can increase the risk of cavities,gum disease,and oral infections.
Regular oral care helps to remove plaque and bacteria,promoting oral hygiene and preventing complications.Providing oral care at least twice a day,especially before bedtime and upon waking,is essential.

d. Assess mental status regularly:

Rationale:

Clonazepam,while indicated for anxiety and insomnia,can paradoxically cause agitation,confusion,and even hallucinations in some individuals,particularly older adults or those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions.
Regular assessment of mental status helps to identify any adverse behavioral or cognitive changes early on.This includes monitoring for anxiety,depression,suicidal ideation,confusion,disorientation,hallucinations,and changes in sleep patterns.

e. Assist the client to the bathroom:

Rationale:

Clonazepam can cause drowsiness and dizziness,which can increase the risk of falls,especially in older adults or those with impaired mobility.
Assisting the client to the bathroom and providing support during toileting activities helps to prevent falls and injuries.

Choices not included:

c. Monitor calcium levels:

There is no specific indication for monitoring calcium levels with clonazepam use.

f. Have an opioid agonist at the bedside:

Clonazepam is not indicated for pain management and does not interact significantly with opioid analgesics.Therefore,having an opioid agonist readily available is not a necessary intervention for clonazepam initiation.

Additional Considerations:

Educate the client about the potential side effects of clonazepam,including drowsiness,dizziness,dry mouth,and cognitive changes.
Advise the client to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking clonazepam,as this can increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
Instruct the client to take clonazepam exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking it abruptly,as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
Monitor the client's sleep patterns and adjust the medication schedule if necessary.

A. Assess urine and stool for occult blood. B. Obtain client's temperature every 4 hours. C. Monitor for signs of activity intolerance D. Require visitors to wear respiratory masks.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Correct- With a significantly low platelet count, the risk of bleeding is elevated. Assessing urine and stool for occult (hidden) blood is important to detect any signs of internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent. A low platelet count increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding, which can be life-threatening if undetected.
B) Incorrect- This choice is related to neutropenia, not thrombocytopenia. Neutropenia, or low neutrophil count, increases the risk of infection, which is why monitoring temperature frequently is important.

C) Incorrect- Monitoring for signs of activity intolerance is not directly related to the low platelet count. The primary concern with thrombocytopenia is the risk of bleeding, not generalized activity intolerance.
D) Incorrect- Requiring visitors to wear respiratory masks is not relevant to the client's current condition of low platelet count. This action is related to infection control and protection from respiratory infections.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits The nurse reviews the physician's orders for clonazepam and gives the medication as ordered. What nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]

Explanation

Nursing Interventions for Client Starting Clonazepam:

A client with leukemia who is receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy has a platelet count of 25,000/mm3 (25 x 109/L). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in this client's plan of care? Reference Range: Platelet Count [150,000 to 400,000/mm3 (156 400 x 109/L)]

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When assessing a newborn girl with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency, the nurse notes that the infant has an enlarged clitoris. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

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When assessing a newborn girl with salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency, the nurse notes that the infant has an enlarged clitoris. Which intervention should the nurse implement?