A provider orders clonidine (Catapres) for a patient withdrawing ...

[asd123]

A provider orders clonidine (Catapres) for a patient withdrawing from opioids. When explaining the rationale for this drug choice, the nurse will tell this patient that clonidine (Catapres) is used to:
 
  a. prevent opioid craving.
  b. reduce somnolence and drowsiness.
  c. relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  d. stimulate autonomic activity.

Question 2

A patient who wants to quit smoking has a prescription for varenicline (Chantix), which will be used with a nicotine patch. The patient asks the nurse why the varenicline is necessary. Which statement by the nurse is correct?
 
  a. It helps patients experiencing withdrawal to sleep better.
  b. It helps reduce anxiety and other withdrawal symptoms.
  c. It will help reduce the likelihood of addiction to the patch.
  d. The drug blocks nicotine's access to pleasure' receptors.

[blfontai]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
When administered to an individual physically dependent on opioids, clonidine can suppress some symptoms of abstinence. Clonidine is most effective against symptoms related to autonomic 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

ANS: D
Varenicline is a partial agonist at nicotinic receptors and helps block nicotine's access to these receptors. A common side effect is sleep disturbances. Buspirone is a smoking cessation agent that acts to reduce withdrawal side effects. Varenicline is not used to reduce addiction to the patch.

[asd123]

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[blfontai]

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