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 A
Explanation
A. Uncontrolled movements around the mouth.
Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect associated with the long-term use of antipsychotic medications, especially first-generation or typical antipsychotics. It is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, often involving the face, such as uncontrolled movements around the mouth (e.g., lip smacking, puckering, chewing).
B. Seizures and tremors are not typical adverse effects of tardive dyskinesia. They are more commonly associated with other side effects or conditions.
C. Nausea and vomiting are not typically associated with tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms may be side effects of antipsychotic medications, but they are not characteristic of tardive dyskinesia itself.
D. Hallucinations and delusions are not associated with tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia primarily involves involuntary movements and is not related to changes in thought content or perception.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Elevated heart rate is not a typical sign of opioid toxicity. Opioids usually have a depressant effect on the cardiovascular system, leading to bradycardia.
B. Hypertension is not a typical effect of opioid toxicity. Opioids often cause hypotension due to vasodilation.
C. Pupillary constriction (miosis).
Acute fentanyl toxicity is associated with opioid overdose, and opioids typically cause miosis (constriction of the pupils). Other common symptoms of opioid toxicity include respiratory depression, sedation, and potentially unconsciousness.
D. Tachypnea is not a typical sign of opioid toxicity. Opioids tend to depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potentially hypoventilation.
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