A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed alprazolam, a benzodiazepine for managing severe manifestations of anxiety. Which of the following should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?
Foods that are known to be high in dietary tyramine should be avoided
increase the dose of medication as needed if relief of manifestations is not experienced.
Avoid driving or eating heavy machinery until you know how alprazolam affects you
manifestations should be expected after a few weeks of therapy.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Foods that are high in dietary tyramine are more relevant to certain antidepressant medications, particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and are not a specific concern with alprazolam.
B. Increasing the dose of the medication without consulting the healthcare provider is not appropriate. Adjustments to the dosage should be done under the guidance of the healthcare provider.
C. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how alprazolam affects you.
This is an important safety consideration when using benzodiazepines such as alprazolam. Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and impair coordination, so clients should be advised to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they are aware of how the medication affects them.
D. Manifestations of anxiety should improve with the use of alprazolam, and relief of symptoms can occur relatively quickly. However, it is essential to inform the client that long-term use of benzodiazepines may lead to tolerance and dependence. They should not abruptly stop the medication without consulting their healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Using opioids to treat hallucinations is not a common reason, as opioids are not typically prescribed for this purpose. Hallucinations might be indicative of another underlying mental health condition that needs assessment and appropriate treatment.
B. Witnessing parents using drugs or alcohol to cope is a risk factor for substance use disorders, but it does not directly explain the client's initiation of opioid use. There may be other contributing factors, such as pain or anxiety.
C. Using opioids to promote sleep and rest is a possibility, especially if the client has chronic pain or anxiety affecting their sleep. Opioids can have sedative effects, which might be appealing to individuals experiencing sleep difficulties. However, treating pain and anxiety is often a primary reason for opioid use in such cases.
D. To treat pain and ease anxiety.
Chronic back pain due to a gymnastics injury and anxiety are identified as pre-existing conditions. The client may have started using opioids to manage chronic pain and potentially as a way to cope with anxiety. Opioids are often prescribed for pain relief, and individuals may misuse them to self-medicate emotional distress.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety. While benzodiazepines can cause sedation and might carry a risk of dependence, they are not typically associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation compared to antidepressants.
B. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is an antihistamine that might cause drowsiness and sedation. It's not primarily used for anxiety disorders, and it's less associated with increased suicidal risk compared to antidepressants.
C. Propranolol (Inderal) is a beta-blocker used for treating conditions like hypertension and anxiety disorders. It's not typically associated with an increased risk of suicide compared to antidepressants.
D. A client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and takes fluoxetine (Prozac).
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). While it's effective for treating OCD, when initiating or adjusting the dosage of an antidepressant like fluoxetine, there can be an increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior, especially in younger individuals. This risk is particularly prevalent in the initial weeks of treatment or when there are dosage changes.
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