A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for alprazolam 0.25 mg PO every 8 hr PRN anxiety. For which of the following situations should the nurse administer the alprazolam?
The client pretends to be a government agent.
The client reports seeing bugs crawling on the walls.
The client describes an increase in pain after receiving meperidine.
The client reports his heart is beating out of his chest.
The Correct Answer is D
"The client reports his heart is beating out of his chest." as this symptom is consistent with anxiety and the client's prescription is for PRN anxiety. Alprazolam is a medication used to treat anxiety disorders and symptoms of anxiety.
Choice A, "The client pretends to be a government agent," is not a symptom that would be treated with alprazolam.
Choice B, "The client reports seeing bugs crawling on the walls," may indicate the presence of a hallucination or other mental health symptom, but is not related to anxiety and is not an appropriate indication for alprazolam.
Choice C, "The client describes an increase in pain after receiving meperidine," indicates a potential adverse drug effect and is not related to anxiety or an indication for alprazolam.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Moderate. According to the Mayo Clinic moderate anxiety is characterized by symptoms such as loud and rapid speech, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and increased worry. The client's behavior matches these symptoms, indicating that they are experiencing moderate anxiety.
Choice B. Panic is incorrect because panic is a severe form of anxiety that involves symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, trembling, and a sense of impending doom. The client does not exhibit these symptoms.
Choice C. Severe is incorrect because severe anxiety is marked by symptoms such as irrational fear, detachment from reality, hallucinations, and loss of control¹². The client does not show these symptoms.
Choice D. Mild is incorrect because mild anxiety is associated with symptoms such as nervousness, increased alertness, and slight discomfort¹². The client's symptoms are more intense than mild anxiety.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Whether the client is a danger to herself or others. When a client is involuntarily admitted to a mental health unit, they are held for an initial period of 72 hours for evaluation and treatment. Afterward, a determination must be made as to whether or not the client is still a danger to themselves or others to keep them in the hospital.
Choices A, C, and D do not address the primary concern of ongoing safety for the client and others.
For choice A, the client's financial status or their ability to pay for prescribed medications is not relevant to their safety or need for hospitalization.
For choice C, the client's ability to make arrangements to stay with someone is important for discharge planning but not for determining their need for ongoing hospitalization.
Finally, for choice D, whether the client is unwilling to accept treatment is important, but not the sole determining factor as to whether they are a danger to themselves or others.
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