A mental health nurse is teaching a female client who has an anxiety disorder about alprazolam.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
"Do not eat aged cheeses while taking this medication."
"This medication may increase your blood pressure."
"Use a reliable form of contraception while taking this medication."
"If a dose is missed, double the next dose of medication.".
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
Choice A is incorrect. Alprazolam does not have any known dietary interactions with aged cheeses. This information is specific to monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not benzodiazepines like alprazolam.
Choice B is incorrect. While some benzodiazepines can have side effects like drowsiness or dizziness that might indirectly affect blood pressure, alprazolam itself is not known to directly cause an increase in blood pressure.
Choice D is incorrect. Doubling the next dose of medication if a dose is missed is dangerous and can lead to overdose and increased risk of serious side effects. The client should be instructed to contact their doctor if they miss a dose.
Choice C is correct. Alprazolam is a pregnancy category D medication, meaning it has positive evidence of fetal risk. Studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects, including cleft lip and palate, in babies exposed to alprazolam during pregnancy. Therefore, it is crucial for women of childbearing age to use a reliable form of contraception while taking alprazolam to prevent unintended pregnancy and potential harm to the fetus.
Additional teaching points for the nurse:
The nurse should inform the client about the specific risks associated with alprazolam during pregnancy and the importance of discussing alternative treatment options if pregnancy is desired.
The nurse should emphasize the importance of using a reliable form of contraception that is effective both during and after treatment with alprazolam, as the medication can remain in the system for some time after the last dose.
The nurse should provide the client with resources on contraception and reproductive health, and encourage her to talk to her doctor about any s or concerns she may have.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Seclusion may be considered for a school-age client who repeatedly bites staff as a method of last resort to ensure the safety of both the client and staff.
It's important to exhaust other interventions first, such as verbal de-escalation, redirection, and medication.
If seclusion is used, it should be implemented under strict guidelines, with close monitoring and frequent reassessment to determine its effectiveness and necessity.
Choice B rationale:
Seclusion may be considered for an older adult client who is manic and agitated due to overstimulation, as it can provide a safe and quiet environment to reduce sensory input and promote calming.
However, it's crucial to carefully assess the client's physical and cognitive status, as seclusion can exacerbate confusion and disorientation in older adults.
Close monitoring and reassessment are essential.
Choice C rationale:
Seclusion may be considered for an adolescent client who throws objects at other clients to maintain safety and prevent harm to others.
It's important to first attempt other interventions, such as verbal de-escalation, redirection, and limit-setting.
If seclusion is used, it should be brief and implemented with therapeutic goals in mind, such as promoting self-regulation and problem-solving skills.
Choice D rationale:
Seclusion is contraindicated for an adult client after an interrupted suicide attempt.
This is because seclusion can increase isolation, hopelessness, and despair, which are significant risk factors for suicide.
It can also hinder close observation and monitoring of the client's mental state, potentially leading to further suicide attempts.
Instead, the focus should be on providing supportive, one-to-one contact, ensuring safety, and establishing therapeutic rapport to address the underlying issues that led to the suicide attempt.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. Administer the morning dose of lithium.
Choice A rationale:
Preparing for gastric lavage is unnecessary because a lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) and does not indicate toxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Administering the morning dose of lithium is appropriate as the current lithium level is within the therapeutic range, indicating that the medication is being managed correctly.
Choice C rationale:
Holding the medication and assessing for early manifestations of toxicity is not necessary since the lithium level is not indicative of toxicity. Toxicity typically occurs at levels above 1.5 mEq/L.
Choice D rationale:
Checking the client’s medication record to assess whether the client has been refusing her lithium is not relevant in this scenario because the lithium level is within the therapeutic range, suggesting compliance with the medication regimen.
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