The client diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has a new prescription for clopidogrel. What information should the nurse include when teaching the client about this medication?
Call the health care provider if you notice that your stools are dark.
Change positions slowly to avoid dizziness.
Do not take aspirin while you are taking clopidogrel.
Take the clopidogrel with orange juice so it is more effective.
The Correct Answer is A
Clients taking clopidogrel should be advised to call their healthcare provider if they notice that their stools are dark. This could be a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding, a potential side effect of clopidogrel.
Choice B rationale
Changing positions slowly to avoid dizziness is not specifically related to clopidogrel use.
Choice C rationale
While it’s generally advised to avoid taking other blood thinners while on clopidogrel, aspirin is sometimes prescribed together with clopidogrel under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
There is no specific recommendation to take clopidogrel with orange juice for it to be more effective.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Reddish feet when put down could be a sign of dependent rubor, a condition that occurs due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD). When the legs are in a dependent (downward) position, gravity aids in delivering blood to the area, causing a reddish color. However, this is a common symptom of PAD and does not require immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale
Loss of hair on the feet and legs is another symptom of PAD1. This happens because inadequate blood flow deprives the hair follicles of the nutrients they need to grow. While this symptom indicates worsening PAD, it does not warrant immediate intervention.
Choice C rationale
Applying a heating pad to cold legs could lead to burns because PAD can cause loss of sensation in the legs. This warrants immediate intervention to prevent injury.
Choice D rationale
Leg pain during walking, also known as claudication, is a common symptom of PAD1. This happens because the muscles are not getting enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow.
However, this symptom does not require immediate intervention but should be evaluated further.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While holding the warfarin and notifying the laboratory could be appropriate actions in some situations, they would not address the immediate concern of the large, new ecchymotic areas on the client’s extremities.
Choice B rationale
Administering the daily dose of warfarin and notifying the healthcare provider for a dose adjustment the next day could potentially exacerbate the bleeding risk, given the presence of the large, new ecchymotic areas.
Choice C rationale
Large, new ecchymotic areas are not expected side effects of warfarin. They could indicate a serious problem such as excessive anticoagulation.
Choice D rationale
The presence of large, new ecchymotic areas could indicate excessive anticoagulation, which is a serious complication of warfarin therapy. Therefore, holding the warfarin and notifying the healthcare provider of the assessment findings would be the most appropriate initial action.
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