A patient plans to stop taking prescribed clonidine to treat hypertension because of the side effect of dry mouth. Which action by the nurse is best?
Tell the patient that dry mouth is not caused by clonidine.
Give the patient hard candy or gum to relieve the symptom.
Instruct the patient to stop taking the medication immediately.
Advise the patient to take a reduced dose of the medication.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale: Dry mouth is a known side effect of clonidine, and denying this information would be inaccurate.
Choice B rationale: Providing strategies to alleviate the side effect, such as offering hard candy or gum, is a proactive approach to managing the dry mouth without discontinuing the medication.
Choice C rationale: Stopping antihypertensive medication abruptly can lead to rebound hypertension, and the nurse should not encourage discontinuation without consulting the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale: Adjusting the dose of clonidine should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider; self-adjustment without professional input is not advisable.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Sodium levels are not typically affected by beta blockers, so routine monitoring may not include this parameter.
Choice B rationale: Beta blockers can impact glucose metabolism, and monitoring glucose levels is essential to detect any changes or abnormalities.
Choice C rationale: Thyrotropin levels are not directly influenced by beta blockers; monitoring thyroid function is not a routine part of beta blocker monitoring.
Choice D rationale: Creatine phosphokinase is not routinely monitored in clients taking beta blockers, as it is not directly affected by this class of medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Taking pramipexole with food can help reduce the risk of nausea, making this statement accurate.
Choice B rationale: Hallucinations are a potential side effect of dopamine agonists, so this statement is correct.
Choice C rationale: Rising slowly can help minimize orthostatic hypotension, a common side effect of dopamine agonists, making this statement accurate.
Choice D rationale: Pramipexole and other dopamine agonists help manage symptoms but do not stop the progression of Parkinson's disease. Further education is needed on the realistic expectations of the medication.
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