Final answer:
The nurse should inform the client that a common side effect of clonidine, which is prescribed for hypertension, is constipation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The health care provider has prescribed clonidine for a client with hypertension. The nurse should inform the client that a side effect of this medication is constipation. Clonidine works by acting on alpha-agonist receptors and has various effects on the body, including lowering blood pressure.
However, it also has an impact on the digestive system, which can lead to reduced intestinal peristalsis and consequently constipation. It is widely known that sympatholytic drugs like clonidine can be used for various treatments, such as hypertension, anxiety, pain conditions, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As a result, side effects such as constipation are essential to monitor when taking this medication.