The patient has been taking clonidine and is now being changed to another antihypertensive drug. How will the nurse instruct the patient regarding discontinuing the clonidine?
A) "Check your blood pressure and pulse every 2 to 4 hours."
B) "Inform your family the drug is being changed."
C) "Reduce clonidine gradually over 2 to 4 days."
D) "Keep an over-the-counter analgesic available to treat headaches."
C
Feedback:
Do not discontinue clonidine abruptly because sudden withdrawal can result in rebound hypertension, arrhythmias, flushing, and even hypertensive encephalopathy and death; taper drug over 2 to 4 days. It is not necessary to teach the patient to check blood pressure and pulse every 2 to 4 hours, discuss plans for changing medications with the family, or prepare the patient for severe headaches.
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