A patient who has hypertension has been prescribed a clonidine patch. Which discharge instruction should the nurse provide?
Remove the patch if a headache develops.
Monitor weight on a daily basis.
Place the patch on the anterior chest.
Remove the patch as directed and inspect the skin.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Remove the patch if a headache develops: While headaches can be a side effect of clonidine, removing the patch is not the recommended immediate action without further assessment. The patient should be advised to consult with their healthcare provider if they experience significant side effects.
B. Monitor weight on a daily basis: While weight monitoring is important for some medications, it is not a specific recommendation for clonidine. Patients should be informed to monitor for signs of fluid retention or significant weight changes, but daily weight monitoring is not typically required.
C. Place the patch on the anterior chest: The clonidine patch should be placed on a hairless area of skin, typically on the upper arm or chest, but the anterior chest is not specific enough. Patients should be instructed to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for proper placement.
D. Remove the patch as directed and inspect the skin: This is the best discharge instruction. Patients should be informed to remove the patch according to the prescribed schedule and to inspect the skin for any irritation or allergic reactions. Regular skin checks are important to prevent any adverse reactions from prolonged patch use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Decrease allergic reactions: Nitrate-free periods are not primarily designed to address allergic reactions.
B. Decrease tolerance to effects: Nitrates, including isosorbide mononitrate, can lead to the development of tolerance when used continuously. The nitrate-free period helps to minimize this tolerance, allowing the medication to remain effective over time.
C. Prevent reflex tachycardia: While nitrate use can sometimes cause reflex tachycardia, the nitrate-free interval is not specifically aimed at preventing this.
D. Increase absorption: The nitrate-free period does not influence the absorption of the medication itself.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Express no complaints of chest discomfort or shortness of breath: This outcome directly relates to the goal of improving tissue perfusion. Chest discomfort and shortness of breath can indicate inadequate perfusion, particularly in a client with coronary artery disease. By achieving this outcome, the nurse can assess that tissue perfusion is sufficient and the client is stable.
B) Discuss which lifestyle modifications will be necessary to maintain health: While this is an important aspect of ongoing care and management for coronary artery disease, it does not directly address the immediate concern of impaired tissue perfusion. The priority is to ensure the client is currently experiencing effective perfusion rather than just planning for future health modifications.
C) Have clear breath sounds bilaterally upon auscultation: Clear breath sounds are a positive indicator of pulmonary function but do not directly measure tissue perfusion related to coronary artery disease. While this is important for overall health, it does not specifically target the issue of impaired perfusion in cardiac tissue.
D) Have a urinary output of greater than 30 ml per hour for 24 hours: While adequate urinary output can be a sign of good kidney perfusion and overall fluid balance, it is not a direct indicator of cardiac tissue perfusion. The priority in this scenario is more closely tied to the client’s cardiac status and symptoms related to coronary artery disease.
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