Exhibits
The nurse reviews the healthcare providers (HCP) prescription for clonazepam and gives the medication as prescribed.
Which nursing intervention(s) is/are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam? Select all that apply.
Assess mental status regularly
Provide oral care at least twice à day
Monitor calcium levels
Have an opioid agonist at the bedside
Assist the client to the bathroom
Screen for orthostatic hypotension
Correct Answer : A,B,E,F
A. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine used primarily for anxiety disorders and can affect mental status, including cognition and level of alertness. Regular assessment helps monitor for any changes in mental status, such as drowsiness, confusion, or sedation, which are potential side effects of clonazepam.
B. This intervention helps maintain oral hygiene, which is important when a client is taking medications orally. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam can cause dry mouth as a side effect, which can contribute to oral hygiene issues such as increased risk of dental caries or oral infections.
C. Clonazepam itself does not directly affect calcium levels. Monitoring calcium levels is not a routine nursing intervention specifically related to clonazepam administration. This option is not appropriate in this context.
D. Clonazepam is not an opioid and does not directly interact with opioids in a way that would necessitate having an opioid agonist at the bedside. This option is not relevant for a client starting clonazepam.
E. Clonazepam can cause dizziness and impair coordination, especially when starting the medication or with dose changes. Assisting the client to the bathroom helps prevent falls and ensures safety, particularly if the client experiences dizziness or sedation.
F. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam can cause hypotension (low blood pressure), which may exacerbate upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). Screening involves checking blood pressure and heart rate in different positions (lying, sitting, standing) to detect orthostatic changes. This is important to prevent falls and other complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale
A. An elevated neutrophil count suggests an active immune response to infection, supporting the clinical findings of purulent drainage. This information is crucial for the healthcare provider to assess the severity of the infection and guide treatment.
B. Hematocrit changes are more related to blood volume, fluid shifts, or bleeding rather than infection. While it may be monitored postoperatively, it does not provide specific information about infection.
C. Platelet count is important for assessing clotting function but does not directly indicate infection or purulent drainage.
D. Serum sodium levels are part of electrolyte balance and hydration status monitoring but do not directly relate to the presence of infection.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale
A. During a thoracentesis, a needle is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space to remove fluid or air. It's common for clients to feel a stinging sensation or discomfort during needle insertion. The nurse should confirm this understanding with the client and reassure them that local anesthesia will be used to minimize discomfort.
B. The positioning described (sitting forward with arms propped on a table) helps to expand the intercostal spaces and facilitates easier access to the pleural space during the procedure. The nurse should reinforce this position as appropriate for the thoracentesis procedure.
C. This statement is incorrect and would indicate a need for additional education. A persistent cough is not an expected outcome after a thoracentesis. While some clients may experience a mild cough during or immediately after the procedure due to irritation from the needle or local anesthesia, it should not persist afterwards.
D. This statement is generally correct. After a thoracentesis, it is recommended to limit strenuous activity and avoid heavy lifting for a day or two to minimize the risk of complications such as discomfort or injury at the needle insertion site. The nurse should support this instruction as part of the client's post-procedure care.
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