A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for an older adult client who has a new prescription for transdermal clonidine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Inform the client of the adverse effect of diarrhea.
Monitor the client for weight loss.
Advise the client about increased dry mouth.
Check the client for increased hypopigmentation under the patch.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
Informing the client of the adverse effect of diarrhea is less common with clonidine use, especially in comparison to other side effects like dry mouth or skin irritation.
Choice B Reason:
Monitoring for weight loss isn't a primary concern specifically associated with transdermal clonidine use.
Choice C Reason:
Advise the client about increased dry mouth. Dry mouth is a common adverse effect of clonidine, including the transdermal form. Patients should be informed about this so they can manage it effectively, for example, by drinking plenty of water or using sugar-free gum or candy to stimulate saliva production.
Choice D Reason:
Hypopigmentation is not a commonly reported issue with transdermal clonidine patches. However, local skin irritation or rash can occur at the site of the patch.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"You will not become fatigued when you use assistive devices. “This statement might provide an unrealistic expectation. While assistive devices can help, they might still require physical effort and could potentially cause fatigue, especially during initial use or extended periods.
Choice B Reason:
"Plan to hire a home care aid to perform all of your ADLs." This statement is not appropriate.
While home care assistance can be beneficial, aiming to have someone perform all ADLs might limit the client's independence and ability to regain skills. The goal is often to support the client in performing ADLs independently whenever possible.
Choice C Reason:
"Install grab bars in your shower to assist with your balance." This statement is true. Installing grab bars in the shower can significantly enhance safety and stability during activities like showering, reducing the risk of falls for someone who might experience balance or mobility challenges following a CVA.
Choice D Reason:
"Place a towel in the shower to prevent slipping." This statement is inappropriate. While placing a towel might offer some traction, it might not provide sufficient stability or support, especially for someone with balance issues post-CVA. Grab bars offer more reliable support to prevent falls in the shower.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
"I'll make sure I stay away from microwave ovens." This statement is incorrect . While there were concerns about interference in the past, modern pacemakers are generally not affected by household appliances like microwave ovens.
Choice B Reason:
"I should have an MRI, rather than a CAT scan, if necessary." This statement is incorrect. Both MRI and CAT scans have considerations when a person has a pacemaker. An MRI might be contraindicated due to the magnetic field, while a CAT scan might be a safer imaging choice.
Choice C Reason:
"I'll hold my cell phone against the ear on the opposite side of my body." This statement reflects an understanding of the precaution to avoid holding a cell phone directly over the implanted pacemaker. Keeping the phone on the opposite side helps minimize the potential interference with the pacemaker's function.
Choice D Reason:
"I shouldn't travel by plane because of airport security." This statement is incorrect. Airport security systems generally don't affect pacemakers, so traveling by plane is usually safe. However, informing security personnel about the presence of a pacemaker is a good practice.
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