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 B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Leaving the television on is incorrect. Constant background noise from the television might be overwhelming and confusing for someone with Alzheimer's. It's generally better to have a quiet and calming environment to reduce agitation and confusion.
Choice B Reason:
Installing locks at the top of doors is correct. This can be an essential safety measure to prevent the person from wandering or accessing unsafe areas. Installing locks higher up on doors can help prevent the individual from opening doors and wandering into potentially dangerous situations.
Choice C Reason:
Placing throw rugs on the floor is incorrect. Throw rugs pose a tripping hazard, especially for individuals with Alzheimer's who might have mobility issues or difficulties with depth perception. Removing throw rugs or securing them firmly to the floor is essential to prevent falls.
Choice D Reason:
Scheduling alternate caregivers is incorrect. While having alternate caregivers is important for support, it doesn't directly relate to environmental modifications within the home.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Polyuria is incorrect. Peritonitis doesn’t directly influence urine output. Polyuria (increased urine production) is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the kidneys or diabetes mellitus rather than peritonitis.
Choice B Reason:
Peripheral edema is incorrect. Peritonitis typically involves abdominal symptoms and signs rather than peripheral issues like edema. Edema can be related to heart, kidney, or circulatory system problems, but it's not a typical manifestation of peritonitis.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased respirations is incorrect. Peritonitis can cause pain and discomfort, which might affect the depth of breathing or result in shallow breathing due to guarding against abdominal pain. However, decreased respirations as a specific finding wouldn't commonly be expected in peritonitis. Pain might cause shallow breathing, but it wouldn't lead to a consistent decrease in respiratory rate.
Choice D Reason:
Absent bowel sounds is correct. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. This condition often leads to the loss or significant reduction of bowel sounds due to the irritation and inflammation of the abdominal structures.
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