Clonidine (Catapres) is prescribed for a hypertensive patient preparing for discharge. What patient education should be included in the discharge teaching? (Select all that apply.)
a. "You may have difficulty falling asleep while taking this drug."
b. "Take frequent sips of water to relieve dryness in your mouth."
c. "Eat plenty of high-fiber foods to help reduce constipation."
d. "If you have problems tolerating the drug, you may stop taking it."
e. "Many patients taking this drug experience a temporary nipple discharge."
f. "This drug may initially cause drowsiness."
ANS: B, C, F
Adverse effects of clonidine, which should be taught to the patient during discharge teaching, include initial drowsiness, dry mouth, and constipation. The initial drowsiness abates with time; frequent sips of water help in the management of dry mouth; and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent constipation.
Clonidine causes drowsiness, not difficulty falling asleep.
The drug should not be abruptly discontinued as rebound hypertension may occur.
The drug may also cause gynecomastia, but not nipple discharge.
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