A patient is taking clonidine for hypertension and reports having dry mouth and drowsiness. What will the nurse tell the patient?
a. Beta blockers can reverse these side effects.
b. Discontinue the medication immediately and notify the provider.
c. Drink extra fluids and avoid driving when drowsy.
d. Notify the provider if symptoms persist after several weeks.
ANS: C
Clonidine can cause dry mouth and sedation; patients should be warned to drink extra fluids and avoid driving. Beta blockers do not reverse these drug side effects. Discontinuing clonidine abruptly can cause severe rebound hypertension. These are common side effects that do not abate over time.
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