Question

A female client who is admitted to the mental health unit for opiate dependency is receiving clonidine 0.1 mg PO for withdrawal symptoms. The client begins to complain of feeling nervous and tells the nurse that her bones are itching. Which finding should the nurse identify as a contraindication for administering the medication?

Answer 1

Clonidine should be contraindicated for a client experiencing nervousness and bone itching during opiate withdrawal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should identify clonidine as contraindicated for administering to the client experiencing nervousness and bone itching.

Clonidine is a sympatholytic drug that is commonly used to treat withdrawal symptoms associated with opiate dependency. However, it can also cause side effects such as nervousness and itching, which the client is experiencing. Therefore, the nurse should discontinue clonidine administration and notify the healthcare provider.

Alternative treatments or medications may be prescribed to manage the client's withdrawal symptoms effectively.