Final answer:
When adjusting the dosage of clonazepam, the nurse should plan to gradually taper the dose to avoid withdrawal. Administering the medication on an empty stomach, monitoring for hypotension, or instituting seizure precautions are less directly relevant to dosage adjustment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct action a nurse should plan to implement when adjusting the dosage of clonazepam, an anticonvulsant medication, is to gradually taper the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Clonazepam should not necessarily be administered on an empty stomach, as it does not significantly affect its absorption. Monitoring for signs of hypotension is not the primary concern with clonazepam; it may be more relevant when dealing with antihypertensive drugs. While clonazepam is used for seizure control, instituting seizure precautions is always a good practice for patients with a history of seizures, but it does not directly relate to the adjustment of clonazepam dosage.
When adjusting the dosage of any benzodiazepine, including clonazepam, it is crucial to taper the dose gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and include tremors, agitation, and in severe cases, seizures. Sudden discontinuation of benzodiazepines after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms; thus, a gradual reduction in dose is recommended. This process should be supervised by a healthcare professional, most often in a hospital or similar setting.