A nurse is preparing to administer clonidine 0.3 mg at bedtime to a patient. The available amount is clonidine 0.1 mg/tablet.

How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose?

Choice A rationale

While monitoring abdominal girth can be important in patients with cirrhosis, especially those with ascites, it is not typically an assessment finding that requires immediate follow-up.

Choice B rationale

A blood pressure of 82/58 mm Hg is low and could indicate hypotension, which requires immediate follow-up.

Choice C rationale

A heart rate of 101/min is elevated and could indicate tachycardia, which requires immediate follow-up.

Choice D rationale

An oxygen saturation of 92% is lower than the normal range of 95% to 100%, indicating potential hypoxia, which requires immediate follow-up.

Choice A rationale

Telling the patient that this is the medication their doctor wants them to take does not address the patient’s concern about the color of the pill.

Choice B rationale

While it’s true that the same medication can sometimes come in different colors, this response does not confirm that the orange pill is the correct medication for the patient.

Choice C rationale

Checking the medication order again is the best response. This will ensure that the patient is receiving the correct medication.

Choice D rationale

Explaining the purpose of the medication does not address the patient’s concern about the color of the pill.