Final answer:
The nurse should assess if the diarrhea is a side effect of the medication. If it is, the nurse can provide information and suggestions to manage the diarrhea. If the diarrhea persists or worsens, the healthcare provider should be notified.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse should first assess if the diarrhea is a potential side effect of the medication clopidogrel. Diarrhea is listed as a common side effect of clopidogrel, a medication used to prevent blood clots. The nurse should ask the patient about the onset, frequency, and characteristics of the diarrhea to determine if it is related to the medication.
If the assessment indicates that the diarrhea is likely caused by clopidogrel, the nurse can inform the patient about this potential side effect and provide reassurance that it is generally not serious. The nurse can also offer suggestions to manage the diarrhea, such as increasing fluid intake, avoiding spicy or greasy foods, and taking over-the-counter medications for diarrhea if appropriate.
If the diarrhea persists or worsens, or if the patient develops other symptoms such as fever or abdominal pain, the nurse should notify the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.