​​​​​​Patient Data

Exhibits

Review H and P, nurse's notes, and laboratory results.

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress,

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.

Rationale

The client is experiencing significant psychological distress characterized by intrusive thoughts and memories related to the traumatic event (house collapsing during a hurricane). These thoughts are causing her difficulty in falling asleep and impacting her emotional well-being. Her statement about feeling unable to get out of a "funk" suggests that she may be experiencing symptoms of acute stress or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It's crucial to address her psychological distress promptly to provide support and prevent exacerbation of her symptoms.

Sleep Difficulties: The client requests sleeping medication due to her difficulty in falling asleep. Sleep disturbances are common after experiencing a traumatic event and can further contribute to emotional distress and hinder recovery. It's important to assess her sleep patterns and consider appropriate interventions, such as pharmacological sleep aids under medical supervision, to help her achieve adequate restorative sleep.

Environment: The client expresses a preference for a quieter area of the unit away from constant noise (talking and alarms). Hospital environments can be noisy and disruptive, which can exacerbate anxiety and sleep difficulties. Ensuring she is in a quieter environment or making adjustments to minimize noise near her can improve her comfort and facilitate better sleep, which is essential for recovery and emotional well-being.