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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.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Incorrect - Developing and implementing new screening protocols does not directly indicate the effectiveness of a primary prevention program. It might indicate improved detection, but not necessarily prevention.
B) Incorrect - This outcome relates to secondary prevention (rehabilitation after disease complications) rather than primary prevention.
C) Correct- An improvement in average client scores on risk factor knowledge tests suggests that the primary prevention program has successfully educated clients about behaviors and practices that can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases. This improvement indicates that clients have a better understanding of the risks and protective measures, which is a key indicator of program effectiveness.
D) Incorrect - Diagnosing clients early in their disease process is an outcome of early detection (secondary prevention), not primary prevention.

A. Just before arterial blood gasses are drawn peripherally. B. Prior to attempting a cardiac output calculation. C. To assess for presence of a deep vein thrombus in the leg. D. When pulmonary artery pressures are obtained.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Allen's test is a procedure used to assess the patency of the ulnar artery and the collateral circulation of the hand. It is performed to determine the adequacy of collateral circulation before obtaining arterial blood gases from the radial artery. The test helps ensure that the ulnar artery is functioning properly and can supply blood to the hand if the radial artery is used for blood sampling or other invasive procedures.

The test involves occluding both the ulnar and radial arteries while the patient clenches their fist. The nurse then releases pressure on the ulnar artery while maintaining occlusion of the radial artery. The hand should quickly regain normal coloration, indicating adequate collateral circulation.
It's important to note that the Allen's test is specific to the assessment of collateral circulation in the hand and is not used for other purposes such as assessing deep vein thrombosis, cardiac output calculation, or obtaining pulmonary artery pressures.

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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 implements a primary prevention program for sexually transmitted diseases in a nurse-managed health center. Which outcome Indicates that the program was effective?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

When should the nurse conduct an Allen's test?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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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.