A client on clonidine (Catapres) is being discharged. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Your blood pressure should be checked by a health care provider at least once a year.
• B. Increasing fluid and fiber in your diet can help prevent the side effect of constipation.
• C. Intense exercise or prolonged standing is not a problem with clonidine as it can be with other antihypertensive agents.
• D. If you are having difficulty with the common side effect of drooling, notify your health care provider so your dosage can be adjusted.

Answer: (B)

Constipation management is a key part of discharge education for someone taking clonidine. This medication can slow bowel movements in some people, so teaching nondrug strategies to prevent constipation helps the patient stay comfortable and avoid complications.

Increasing fluids and dietary fiber directly supports regular bowel function. More fluids keep stools softer, while fiber adds bulk and speeds passage through the intestines, reducing straining and discomfort. Practical guidance includes aiming for adequate daily hydration and widely incorporating high-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans. If constipation persists, the patient should contact their healthcare provider for further guidance.

Other statements don’t fit as well with the most immediate, actionable discharge plan. Regular blood pressure checks are important, but they don’t address a common, controllable side effect at home. Clonidine can cause dizziness or orthostatic effects, so advising against any limitation on activity isn’t appropriate. Drooling isn’t a typical side effect of clonidine (dry mouth is more common), so changing dose based on drooling isn’t a standard instruction.