A client who has had long standing hypertension has been prescribed a clonidine patch. Which discharge instruction should the nurse provide?
Place the patch on the anterior chest.
Remove the patch if a headache develops.
Rotate the application sites and inspect the skin.
Monitor weight on a daily basis.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Placing the patch on the anterior chest is not the best discharge instruction for this client. Clonidine is a drug that lowers blood pressure by stimulating alpha-2 receptors in the brain. ¹ The patch delivers the drug through the skin and into the bloodstream. ² The patch should be applied to a hairless area on the upper arm or torso, not the chest, to ensure proper absorption and avoid irritation. ³
Choice B reason: Removing the patch if a headache develops is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Headache is a common side effect of clonidine, especially when starting or changing the dose. ² Removing the patch abruptly may cause a rebound increase in blood pressure, which can be dangerous. ³ The client should keep the patch on for 7 days, unless instructed otherwise by the provider, and report any severe or persistent headaches.
Choice C reason: Rotating the application sites and inspecting the skin is the best discharge instruction for this client. Rotating the sites helps prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions from the patch. ³ Inspecting the skin helps detect any signs of infection, inflammation, or rash that may require medical attention. The client should also wash the old site with soap and water after removing the patch. ²
Choice D reason: Monitoring weight on a daily basis is not a necessary discharge instruction for this client. Weight is not a sensitive indicator of the effectiveness or safety of clonidine therapy. Weight may be monitored periodically to assess the client's fluid status and possible signs of heart failure, which clonidine can help prevent. ¹ However, this is not a priority action for the client using the patch.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is within the normal range of less than 200 mg/dL¹, the HDL level is slightly low but not too far from the recommended level of over 40 mg/dL for men and over 50 mg/dL for women¹, and the triglyceride level is also within the normal range of less than 150 mg/dL¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
Choice B reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is low, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications.
Choice C reason: This option is correct because the cholesterol level is high, the HDL level is low, and the triglyceride level is high. These are all unfavorable results that reflect a high risk of coronary artery disease¹. High cholesterol and triglycerides can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, which can cause atherosclerosis and reduce blood flow to the heart². Low HDL can also increase the risk of heart disease because it does not help remove LDL (bad cholesterol) from the arteries². Therefore, this set of laboratory results indicates a need for dietary modifications, such as reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing fiber, and limiting alcohol³.
Choice D reason: This option is not correct because the cholesterol level is normal, the HDL level is high, and the triglyceride level is normal. These are all desirable results that reflect a low risk of coronary artery disease¹. Therefore, this set of laboratory results does not indicate a need for dietary modifications..
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Walking directly in front of the client may block their view and increase their risk of falling. The nurse should walk to the side and slightly behind the client to provide support and guidance³.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Walking along the affected left side allows the nurse to assist the client with balance, weight shifting, and foot clearance. The nurse should also encourage the client to use the handrail on their strong side³.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect. Walking directly behind the client may not allow the nurse to see the client's gait pattern or intervene quickly if the client loses balance. The nurse should walk to the side and slightly behind the client to monitor and assist them³.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Walking along the unaffected right side may not provide adequate support or protection for the client's affected side. The nurse should walk along the affected left side to help the client with their hemiplegic gait³.
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