A client taking cholestyramine should be monitored for which common adverse effect?

Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used primarily to lower cholesterol levels in patients. One of the most common adverse effects associated with cholestyramine and similar agents is constipation. This occurs due to the drug's mechanism of action, which involves binding bile acids in the intestine, leading to a delay in bowel motility. As bile acids are sequestered, there can be a reduction in fat and cholesterol absorption, but this process can also slow down the regular digestive transit, resulting in constipation.

Patients on cholestyramine should be educated about this potential side effect and encouraged to maintain adequate fluid intake and dietary fiber to help mitigate this issue. Monitoring for constipation is particularly important in long-term users to ensure that the gastrointestinal tract remains healthy and functioning effectively.