A female client who is admitted to the mental health unit for opiate dependency is receiving clonidine 0.1 mg by mouth (PO) for withdrawal symptoms.
The client begins to complain of feeling nervous and tells the nurse that her bones are itching.
Which finding should the nurse identify as a contraindication for administering the medication?
Hypertension.
Apical heart rate 72 beats/minute.
Muscle weakness.
Blood pressure 90/76 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale:
Hypertension is not a contraindication for administering clonidine. In fact, clonidine is often used to treat hypertension. It works by decreasing the levels of certain chemicals in your blood, allowing your blood vessels to relax and your heart to beat more slowly and easily.
Choice B rationale:
An apical heart rate of 72 beats/minute is within the normal range (60-100 beats/minute) and would not be a contraindication for administering clonidine. Clonidine can lower heart rate, so it’s important to monitor heart rate, but a normal heart rate does not preclude its use.
Choice C rationale:
Muscle weakness is not a specific contraindication for the use of clonidine. While muscle weakness can be a side effect of many medications, it is not typically associated with clonidine. However, if a patient was experiencing severe or unusual muscle weakness, it would be important for the healthcare provider to evaluate this symptom.
Choice D rationale:
A blood pressure of 90/76 mm Hg could be a contraindication for the use of clonidine. Clonidine is a medication that is used to lower blood pressure, and if a patient’s blood pressure is already low, further lowering it could lead to symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, or even shock. Therefore, it would be important to monitor the patient’s blood pressure closely while they are taking this medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are Choices B, C, D, and E.
Choice A rationale: Dentures should remain in place to preserve facial structure and dignity. Removing them may cause facial collapse, distressing the family during viewing and violating postmortem presentation standards.
Choice B rationale: Gently closing the eyes prevents ocular drying and maintains a peaceful appearance. If eyelids resist closure, moistened cotton balls may be used temporarily to assist with natural positioning.
Choice C rationale: Placing a small pillow under the head elevates it, preventing blood pooling and facial discoloration due to livor mortis. It supports a natural, respectful presentation for family viewing.
Choice D rationale: Applying a body shroud ensures hygienic containment and visual dignity. It’s standard practice before transport and aligns with institutional protocols for respectful postmortem care.
Choice E rationale: Removing resuscitation equipment reduces trauma triggers for the family, restores environmental calm, and supports emotional closure. It also complies with facility standards for postmortem room preparation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Checking the femoral site for hematoma formation is the most appropriate action in response to the client's complaint of pain at the right groin insertion site after a cardiac catheterization. Hematoma formation is a potential complication of this procedure and can lead to further complications if not addressed promptly. Checking for hematoma allows the nurse to assess for bleeding and take appropriate measures to manage it.
Choice B rationale:
Stimulating the client to take deep breaths is not the most immediate action needed in this situation. While deep breathing is important for respiratory function, the client's pain at the groin site requires immediate assessment to rule out complications.
Choice C rationale:
Evaluating the integrity of the IV insertion site is not the primary concern in this case. The client's pain is localized to the groin site, which is where the cardiac catheterization was performed. Checking for hematoma formation at this site takes precedence.
Choice D rationale:
Assessing distal lower extremity capillary refill is important for assessing peripheral perfusion, but it is not the most immediate action needed when a client complains of pain at a specific site, such as the right groin insertion site after a cardiac catheterization. Checking for hematoma and assessing for bleeding should come first.
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