A mental health nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The client has a prescription for lorazepam 2 mg PO every 6 hr PRN anxiety.
For which of the following client statements should the nurse consider administering lorazepam?
The client tells the nurse that he is too tired to attend the group meeting.
The client states, "I see purple bugs crawling on the wall."
The client tells the nurse he is a government agent.
The client states, "My heart is pounding out of my chest.".
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: Feeling too tired to attend a group meeting does not necessarily indicate anxiety. It could be due to various reasons such as lack of sleep, side effects of medication, or lack of motivation, which are not indications for administering lorazepam.
Choice B rationale: Seeing “purple bugs crawling on the wall” is a hallucination, which is a symptom of schizophrenia, not anxiety. Lorazepam is not typically used as the first-line treatment for hallucinations.
Choice C rationale: Believing that he is a government agent is a delusion, which is a symptom of schizophrenia. Lorazepam is not typically used as the first-line treatment for delusions.
Choice D rationale: “My heart is pounding out of my chest” is a common symptom of anxiety. It indicates that the client might be experiencing physiological symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate and palpitations. In this case, administering lorazepam, which is an anxiolytic medication, would be appropriate.
In conclusion, the nurse should consider administering lorazepam when the client states, “My heart is pounding out of my chest.”
Lorazepam is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It works by slowing down the activity in the brain and nervous system, producing a calming effect.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that persists for at least 6 months, interfering with daily life.
Important Considerations:
Lorazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
It should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, who can assess the individual's needs and potential risks.
Self-treating with lorazepam is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.
If you have concerns about anxiety or are considering using lorazepam, please consult a licensed physician or mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment guidance.
Remember,
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This response is dismissive and judgmental. It implies that the client's partner was wrong to share the news, and it does not acknowledge the client's feelings. This could make the client feel even more isolated and unsupported.
It's important to remember that the client is likely experiencing a range of emotions, including shock, sadness, anger, and anxiety. The nurse's role is to provide support and validation, not to judge the client's feelings or the actions of their partner.
Choice B rationale:
This response demonstrates empathy and understanding. It acknowledges the client's feelings and invites them to share more about their experience. This can help the client to feel heard and supported.
By verbalizing the client's feelings, the nurse is helping them to process the news and begin to cope with the situation. This can be a valuable first step in helping the client to develop a plan for moving forward.
Choice C rationale:
This response is dismissive and unhelpful. It does not acknowledge the client's feelings, and it offers no support or guidance. This could make the client feel even more hopeless and helpless.
While it may be true that there is not much the client can do about the situation immediately, the nurse can still offer support and help the client to explore their options.
Choice D rationale:
This response is premature and potentially unrealistic. The client may not be ready to contact their boss yet, and there is no guarantee that their job will be available to them. This could set the client up for disappointment and further distress.
It's important to allow the client to process the news and consider their options before taking any action. The nurse can help the client to identify potential resources and supports, and to develop a plan that is right for them.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Supporting the client's wish to refuse prescribed medications directly aligns with the ethical principle of autonomy. Autonomy, in the context of healthcare, grants individuals the right to make informed decisions about their own bodies and treatment plans, even if those decisions go against medical advice. It's crucial to respect a client's autonomy, even when they have a mental illness, as long as they have the capacity to make informed decisions. Key points to elaborate on:
Capacity to make informed decisions: Assess if the client can understand the risks and benefits of refusing medication, as well as the potential consequences of their decision.
Informed consent: Ensure the client has received comprehensive information about their diagnosis, treatment options, and potential risks and benefits, enabling them to make an informed choice.
Balancing autonomy with beneficence: While autonomy is paramount, nurses also have a duty of beneficence, which means acting in the client's best interests. Engaging in open discussions about the rationale for medication, exploring potential concerns, and offering alternative treatment options can help balance autonomy with beneficence.
Mental illness and decision-making: Acknowledge that mental illness can sometimes impact decision-making abilities. However, this does not automatically negate a client's right to autonomy. Careful assessment and ongoing communication are essential.
Advocacy: Nurses can play a vital role in advocating for clients' autonomy, ensuring their voices are heard and their wishes respected within the healthcare system.
I'll continue with rationales for other choices in the following responses, aiming for approximately 1000 words in total, as instructed.
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