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 C
Explanation
Delusions and loss of control can be distressing for the client and potentially disruptive to the unit environment. Moving the client to a quiet place helps create a calm and less stimulating environment, which can help reduce agitation and promote a sense of safety and security.
Using firmness and directing the client to sit for a while may escalate the situation and increase the client's distress. It is important to approach the client with empathy and provide a supportive environment rather than exerting control through firmness.
Suggesting the client take a walk or encouraging the client to use a punching bag may not be appropriate if the client is already displaying signs of agitation and losing control. These interventions may not address the underlying causes of the delusions and could potentially worsen the situation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Wearing protective goggles is important during suctioning to protect the nurse's eyes from potential splashes or aerosolized secretions. Suctioning can generate forceful coughing, gagging, or sneezing in the client, which may cause secretions or mucus to be expelled forcefully and potentially come into contact with the nurse's eyes. Wearing goggles helps prevent eye exposure and reduces the risk of infection transmission.
Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter may be necessary to facilitate the insertion of the suction catheter into the tracheostomy tube, but it is not the most crucial action to include when performing suctioning.
Instilling normal saline before suctioning is not recommended as it can cause potential harm to the client's airway. Instilling saline can lead to bronchospasm, mucosal damage, and other complications. Suctioning should only be performed when necessary to remove secretions and maintain a patent airway.
Instructing the client to cough as the suction tip is removed is not necessary or recommended. Coughing during the suctioning process can be uncontrolled and may increase the risk of trauma to the airway. The nurse should instead provide supportive care and reassurance to the client throughout the procedure.
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