Final answer:
The nurse should monitor for confusion as an adverse effect of zolpidem for an older adult client. Older adults are particularly sensitive to the central nervous system effects of zolpidem, and non-drug therapies might be preferable.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse caring for an older adult client who has a prescription for zolpidem at bedtime to promote sleep should plan to monitor the client for confusion as an adverse effect. Zolpidem, commonly used to treat insomnia, can cause several side effects, especially in older adults. These include agitation, anxiety, sleep problems, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, and muscular problems. However, of the options provided, confusion is the most relevant adverse effect to monitor for in an older adult taking zolpidem, as this age group is particularly sensitive to the central nervous system effects of sedative-hypnotic drugs like zolpidem. Concerns about overtreatment with such medications have been raised, with non-drug therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy sometimes being a more effective intervention.