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
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can have significant impacts on the client's fluid and electrolyte balance. Mannitol, a diuretic, is commonly used to promote diuresis and increase urine
output in cases of AKI. However, it is essential to assess the client's hemodynamic status and overall condition before administering mannitol.
Obtaining vital signs (such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) helps evaluate the client's baseline status and monitor for any changes that may occur after administering mannitol. It is particularly important to assess blood pressure as mannitol can potentially cause hypotension as a side effect.
Assessing breath sounds is also crucial because pulmonary edema can occur as a complication of AKI. Mannitol administration may exacerbate this condition. Therefore, assessing breath sounds allows the nurse to monitor for signs of fluid overload, such as crackles or wheezes.
Collecting a clean catch urine specimen may be necessary for diagnostic purposes to assess kidney function and determine the presence or severity of acute kidney injury. However, obtaining vital signs and assessing breath sounds should be the first nursing intervention before administering any medication, including mannitol, to ensure the client's safety and monitor for any potential adverse effects.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client's labs indicate that she has a positive result for group B Streptococcus (GBS) and hepatitis surface antigen, and she is also identified as rubella non-immune.
Ampicillin is the recommended antibiotic for intrapartum prophylaxis against GBS infection to reduce the risk of transmission to the newborn. Administering ampicillin intravenously would help protect the newborn from potential GBS-related complications. Transfusion of packed red blood cells is not indicated based on the hemoglobin and hematocrit values provided. The client's hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, although lower than the reference range, are not critically low and do not necessarily require a blood transfusion.
Injecting hepatitis B immune globulin is not the appropriate intervention in this case. The client is positive for hepatitis surface antigen, indicating active infection, and requires appropriate medical management, which may include antiviral treatment.
Administering the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy. Vaccination for rubella is typically recommended prior to conception or postpartum to prevent congenital rubella syndrome.
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