A nurse is teaching a guardian of a school-age child who has a new prescription for a fluticasone metered-dose inhaler.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select all that apply)

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain.

Choice A is wrong because clozapine can cause weight gain, not weight loss, in some people. This can increase the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart problems. The nurse should advise the client to monitor their weight regularly and to follow a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Choice B is wrong because ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is not an expected adverse effect of clozapine. However, clozapine can cause other ear problems, such as otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis externa (outer ear infection). The nurse should instruct the client to report any ear pain, discharge, or hearing loss to their provider.

Choice D is wrong because diarrhoea is not a common adverse effect of clozapine. However, clozapine can cause constipation, which can be severe and lead to bowel obstruction or perforation. The nurse should advise the client to drink plenty of fluids, eat high-fibre foods, and use laxatives as prescribed by their provider.

Choice C is correct because fever is a serious adverse effect of clozapine that may indicate a life-threatening condition called

agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a severe reduction in white blood cells that can impair the immune system and increase the risk of infections. The nurse should instruct the client to notify their provider immediately if they develop a fever or any signs of infection, such as sore throat, cough, or flu-like symptoms. The client should also have regular blood tests to monitor their white blood cell count while taking clozapine.

Pioglitazone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones, which are used to treat type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity. One of the common side effects of pioglitazone is edema, which is swelling caused by excess fluid in the body tissues. This can lead to fluid retention and weight gain and may worsen heart failure in some patients.

Choice A is wrong because tinnitus, which is ringing or buzzing in the ears, is not a known side effect of pioglitazone.

Choice B is wrong because insomnia, which is difficulty falling or staying asleep, is not a known side effect of pioglitazone.

Choice C is wrong because orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position, is not a known side effect of pioglitazone.

In fact, pioglitazone may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, sweating, and confusion.