Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for clopidogrel. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The correct answer is B: Monitor the client for black, tarry stools. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that can increase the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding. Monitoring for black, tarry stools is crucial as it may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious side effect of the medication. Having suction equipment (choice A) is not directly related to clopidogrel administration. Administering the medication with each meal (choice C) is not necessary as clopidogrel can be taken with or without food. Initiation of contact precautions (choice D) is not indicated for a client taking clopidogrel.