What adverse reaction should the nurse monitor in a client receiving cholestyramine?

Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used primarily to lower cholesterol levels. One of the most common and significant adverse reactions associated with cholestyramine is constipation. This occurs because the drug works by binding bile acids in the intestine, which can lead to increased stool bulk and reduced bowel motility.

Patients receiving cholestyramine may experience a decrease in bile acid recycling and altered gut motility, often resulting in harder stools and difficulty passing them. As a result, monitoring for constipation is essential to ensure the client remains comfortable and to prevent complications that can arise from severe constipation, such as bowel obstruction.

While other side effects like gastrointestinal discomfort, cholelithiasis (gallstones), skin rash, or vertigo may occur, they are less commonly associated with this medication compared to constipation. Therefore, it is particularly important for nurses to be vigilant about signs and symptoms related to bowel habits in clients undergoing treatment with cholestyramine.