A Patient Reports That the Clonidine Recently Prescribed for Hypertension

question 2

Multiple Choice

A patient reports that the clonidine recently prescribed for hypertension is causing drowsiness. Which response by the provider to this concern is appropriate?

• A) "Drowsiness is a common side effect initially, but it will lessen with time."
• B) "You may also experience hypotension when you stand along with the drowsiness."
• C) "You may be at risk for addiction if you have central nervous system side effects."
• D) "You should discontinue the medication and I'll prescribe an alternative medication."

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Definitions:

Operant Conditioning

A learning process through which the strength of a behavior is modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Whining

A high-pitched, often repetitive sound made typically as an expression of distress or dissatisfaction.

Desired Items

are objects or outcomes that a person or entity aims to acquire or achieve due to their perceived value or attractiveness.

Reinforcing Behavior

A process in operant conditioning that increases the likelihood of a behavior by administering a reward or withdrawing a negative outcome after the desired behavior is exhibited.