Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a client withdrawing from a fentanyl citrate addiction. The client receives a prescription for clonidine 0.2 mg PO taken twice daily. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Clonidine is an alpha-2 agonist that treats opioid withdrawal by reducing sympathetic nervous system overactivity, but a major side effect is hypotension. Advising the client to change positions slowly helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and falls. Administering on an empty stomach (A) is not necessary and can worsen gastrointestinal upset. Monitoring daily electrolytes (C) is not a standard requirement for clonidine therapy. Clonidine does not affect coagulation, so monitoring for bleeding (D) is not indicated.