A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for clopidogrel Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A. Have suction equipment at the bedside: Suction equipment is indicated for clients at risk for airway obstruction or aspiration. Clopidogrel does not affect airway patency or secretion management. This action does not address the primary safety concern associated with antiplatelet therapy. B. Initiate contact precautions: Contact precautions are used for clients with contagious infections or multidrug-resistant organisms. Clopidogrel does not increase infection transmissibility or require isolation measures. This intervention is unrelated to the medication’s effects. C. Monitor the client for black tarry stools: Clopidogrel inhibits platelet aggregation, increasing the risk for bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal bleeding. Black, tarry stools may indicate upper GI bleeding and require prompt evaluation. Ongoing assessment for bleeding is a key nursing responsibility with antiplatelet therapy. D. Administer medication with each meal: Clopidogrel may be administered with or without food, and food intake does not significantly alter absorption. Giving clopidogrel with meals does not prevent bleeding complications. Meal timing is not required for therapeutic effectiveness.