Question

A client who was started on anticonvulsant therapy with clonazepam tells the nurse of increasing clumsiness and unsteadiness since starting the medication. The client is visibly upset by these symptoms and asks the nurse what to do. The nurse's response is based on which understanding of these symptoms?

A. These symptoms are common and expected with clonazepam therapy.
B. Immediate discontinuation of the medication is necessary.
C. These symptoms indicate an allergic reaction to the medication.
D. The client should continue taking the medication with food.

Answer 1

The nurse should understand that clumsiness and unsteadiness are common side effects of clonazepam, but should recommend the client speak with their physician to possibly adjust the medication. Discontinuation should not be done abruptly without medical supervision. These symptoms are not indicative of an allergic reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

A client who experiences increasing clumsiness and unsteadiness after starting anticonvulsant therapy with clonazepam is encountering common side effects. These symptoms include ataxia and incoordination, which are known effects of many central nervous system depressants, including clonazepam. Clonazepam affects the central nervous system by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which can lead to decreased neuronal activity and result in side effects such as drowsiness, ataxia, and incoordination.

Given these symptoms, the nurse's response should be informed by the understanding that although these symptoms can be common and expected, they also impact the quality of life and can potentially be dangerous if they result in falls or injuries. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to report these symptoms to the prescribing physician. The physician may consider adjusting the dose, changing medications, or implementing other strategies to manage these side effects.

Telling the client to immediately discontinue the medication without medical advice could be harmful due to the potential risk of seizure recurrence. Discontinuing or adjusting a medication like clonazepam should always be done under medical supervision since abrupt withdrawal can lead to withdrawal symptoms and seizure exacerbation. Additionally, these symptoms are not typically indicative of an allergic reaction, which would manifest differently.