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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.

Screen for orthostatic hypotension

Provide oral care at least twice a day

Monitor calcium levels

Assess mental status regularly

Assist the client to the bathroom

Have an opioid agonist at the bedside

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,B,D,E

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A pounding headache in a client with COPD may be a symptom of increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, known as hypercapnia. Hypercapnia can lead to vasodilation, resulting in headaches. In this situation, it is crucial to assess the client's blood pressure to determine if it is elevated, as this could be contributing to the headache.

Obtaining a manual blood pressure measurement allows for a more accurate assessment of the client's blood pressure compared to automated measurements. It is important to assess both systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as elevated blood pressure can worsen headaches and have other negative effects on the client's health.

Elevating the head of the bed no higher than 30 degrees is a general measure used to improve respiratory function in clients with COPD. However, in this specific situation, it may not directly address the pounding headache. Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce dyspnea and improve oxygenation, but it may not alleviate the headache caused by hypercapnia.

Affirming blood glucose levels are below 160 mg/dL (8.88 mmol/L) is not the primary concern in this case. While high blood glucose levels can have various effects on the body, including headaches, the priority is to assess the client's blood pressure due to the specific context of a COPD exacerbation.

Checking for a stat intravenous diuretic prescription is not necessary in response to the client's headache. Diuretics are typically used to remove excess fluid from the body and may not directly address the underlying cause of the headache in this situation.

A. Complete blood count. B. Allergy test. C. Skin biopsy. D. Electromyography.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Correct- Zidovudine is an antiretroviral medication used in the treatment of HIV infection.

One of the potential side effects of zidovudine is hematological toxicity, including anemia (low red blood cell count) and neutropenia (low white blood cell count). The appearance of pinpoint, red, round spots on the skin could be indicative of petechiae, which are small hemorrhages caused by the leakage of blood into the skin. Petechiae can occur due to low platelet counts, a
component of the complete blood count (CBC). Monitoring the complete blood count is important for clients receiving zidovudine to identify any potential adverse effects on blood cell counts. Anemia and neutropenia can increase the risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications. Therefore, any changes in blood cell counts, including the presence of petechiae, should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
B) Incorrect- This is used to assess allergic reactions and is not specifically related to the appearance of petechiae.
C) Incorrect- A skin biopsy is typically performed to diagnose skin conditions or diseases and is not the primary assessment to evaluate the cause of petechiae.
D) Incorrect- Electromyography is a diagnostic test used to assess muscle and nerve function and is not relevant to the appearance of petechiae associated with zidovudine use.

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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.

Nursing Interventions for Client Starting Clonazepam:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client admitted with an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who reports a pounding headache. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client who is receiving zidovudine reports the appearance of pinpoint, red, round spots on the skin. Which result should the nurse report to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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The nurse is planning to administer two medications to a client at 0900. Which property of the drugs, if shared by both drugs, indicates a need to closely monitor the client for drug toxicity?

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.