A clinician prescribes clonidine (Catapres) for a patient ...

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A clinician prescribes clonidine (Catapres) for a patient withdrawing from opioids.
 
  When explaining the rationale for this drug choice, the nurse should inform the patient that which of the following effects is the role of clonidine (Catapres) in opioid withdrawal? a. Relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  b. Stimulate autonomic activity.
  c. Reduce somnolence and drowsiness.
  d. Prevent opioid craving.

Question 2

A nurse is preparing a patient for a procedure. Prior to the procedure, in which a neuromuscular blocking agent is to be used, the nurse evaluates the patient's electrolytes. Which abnormality would provoke the most concern for the nurse?
 
  a. Hyponatremia
  b. Hypercalcemia
  c. Hypomagnesemia
  d. Hypokalemia

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Answer to Question 1

A
When administered to an individual physically dependent on opioids, clonidine can suppress some symptoms of abstinence. Clonidine is most effective against symptoms related to auto-nomic hyperactivity, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Clonidine does not stimulate autonomic activity. It is effective against symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity.
Clonidine does not reduce somnolence and drowsiness.
Clonidine does not prevent opioid craving.

Answer to Question 2

D
Low potassium levels can enhance paralysis, whereas high potassium levels can reduce paralysis. Because electrolyte status can influence the depth of neuromuscular blockade, it is important to maintain normal electrolyte balance.
There are no indications that sodium, calcium, and/or magnesium have similar effects of potas-sium in relation to neuromuscular blocking agents.