Exhibits

The nurse reviews the physician's orders for clonazepam and gives the medication as ordered. What nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam? Select all that apply.

Nursing Interventions for Client Starting Clonazepam:

The following nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam 0.25 mg PO every 12 hours:

a. Screen for orthostatic hypotension:

Rationale:

• Clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression, which can lead to hypotension, particularly orthostatic hypotension. This occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing due to impaired autonomic nervous system regulation.
• Screening for orthostatic hypotension involves measuring the client's blood pressure and heart rate while lying down and then again after standing for 3 minutes. A significant drop in blood pressure (systolic decrease of 20 mmHg or diastolic decrease of 10 mmHg) or increase in heart rate (over 20 beats per minute) indicates orthostatic hypotension.
• Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is crucial to prevent falls and other complications, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

b. Provide oral care at least twice a day:

Rationale:

• Clonazepam can cause dry mouth as a side effect, which can increase the risk of cavities, gum disease, and oral infections.
• Regular oral care helps to remove plaque and bacteria, promoting oral hygiene and preventing complications. Providing oral care at least twice a day, especially before bedtime and upon waking, is essential.

d. Assess mental status regularly:

Rationale:

• Clonazepam, while indicated for anxiety and insomnia, can paradoxically cause agitation, confusion, and even hallucinations in some individuals, particularly older adults or those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions.
• Regular assessment of mental status helps to identify any adverse behavioral or cognitive changes early on. This includes monitoring for anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, and changes in sleep patterns.

e. Assist the client to the bathroom:

Rationale:

• Clonazepam can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults or those with impaired mobility.
• Assisting the client to the bathroom and providing support during toileting activities helps to prevent falls and injuries.

Choices not included:

c. Monitor calcium levels:

• There is no specific indication for monitoring calcium levels with clonazepam use.

f. Have an opioid agonist at the bedside:

• Clonazepam is not indicated for pain management and does not interact significantly with opioid analgesics. Therefore, having an opioid agonist readily available is not a necessary intervention for clonazepam initiation.

Additional Considerations:

• Educate the client about the potential side effects of clonazepam, including drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and cognitive changes.
• Advise the client to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking clonazepam, as this can increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
• Instruct the client to take clonazepam exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking it abruptly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
• Monitor the client's sleep patterns and adjust the medication schedule if necessary.