A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed alprazolam to manage severe manifestations of anxiety. Which of the following should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how alprazolam affects you.
Relief of manifestations should be expected after a few weeks of therapy.
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.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impair motor coordination. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to avoid activities that require alertness until they understand how the medication affects them.
B. Alprazolam provides relatively quick relief of anxiety symptoms, often within hours, rather than requiring weeks of therapy like some other medications.
C. Foods high in tyramine are a concern for clients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not alprazolam.
D. Increasing the dose without guidance from a healthcare provider is unsafe. The client should not adjust their medication dosage without consulting the provider.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Walking with the nurse in the courtyard provides a simple, safe, and structured activity that promotes physical exercise and reduces excess energy in a way that is appropriate for someone in a manic state. This also gives the nurse an opportunity to observe the client's behavior and provide supervision.
B. Watching a video with a group might not engage the client sufficiently and could be too passive for someone experiencing mania who might need a more stimulating activity.
C. Participating in a basketball game could be too physically demanding and might escalate the client's manic behavior, especially if they have high energy or impulsivity.
D. Joining a group discussion about a local election may not be stimulating enough for the client in a manic state, as it requires focus and attention that might be difficult for the client to maintain during acute mania.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range (3.5–5.0 mEq/L).
B. Sodium 136 mEq/L is slightly low but does not warrant withholding lithium. However, sodium levels should be monitored regularly as low sodium increases the risk of lithium toxicity.
C. A calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5–10.2 mg/dL).
D. An elevated creatinine level (2.1 mg/dL) indicates possible renal dysfunction, which is a concern for lithium use. Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function increases the risk of lithium toxicity.
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