A nurse is providing education to a client with bipolar disorder about benzodiazepines. Which statement accurately describes a potential side effect of benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines can cause weight gain and increased appetite.
Benzodiazepines are used to enhance the effects of dopamine in the brain.
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed as mood stabilizers.
Benzodiazepines may lead to cognitive impairment and dependence.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Benzodiazepines can cause weight gain and increased appetite. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Benzodiazepines are not typically associated with weight gain and increased appetite. Weight gain is more commonly associated with certain other psychotropic medications like some antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Benzodiazepines primarily affect the central nervous system and are known for their sedative and anxiolytic properties rather than influencing appetite.
Choice B rationale:
Benzodiazepines are used to enhance the effects of dopamine in the brain. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Benzodiazepines do not enhance the effects of dopamine in the brain. They work by enhancing the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads to sedative and calming effects. Dopamine is a separate neurotransmitter associated with reward, motivation, and movement control, and benzodiazepines do not directly influence its effects.
Choice C rationale:
Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed as mood stabilizers. Rationale: This statement is incorrect. Benzodiazepines are not commonly prescribed as mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers are a class of medications used to manage mood disorders like bipolar disorder. While benzodiazepines might be used in certain cases to manage anxiety or agitation associated with bipolar disorder, they are not considered primary mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers like lithium, anticonvulsants (e.g., valproate, carbamazepine), and certain atypical antipsychotics are more commonly used for this purpose.
Choice D rationale:
Benzodiazepines may lead to cognitive impairment and dependence. Rationale: This statement is correct. Benzodiazepines are associated with potential cognitive impairment and the risk of dependence. These medications have sedative effects that can impact cognitive function, including memory and attention. Prolonged use of benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making it important for healthcare providers to carefully assess and monitor their use in patients, particularly those with bipolar disorder.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The GAD-7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the severity of generalized anxiety symptoms. While anxiety and depression often coexist, the GAD-7 focuses on anxiety symptoms and wouldn't provide a comprehensive assessment of depression severity.
Choice B rationale:
The BAI (Beck Anxiety Inventory) is used to measure the severity of anxiety symptoms, not depression. It wouldn't be the appropriate tool for assessing depression in this context.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct answer. The PHQ-9 (Patient Health naire-9) is a widely used self-report tool specifically designed to measure the severity of depressive symptoms. It covers various domains of depression, such as mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration, and is suitable for assessing the impact of depression on an individual's functioning.
Choice D rationale:
The CAGE questionnaire is used to assess alcohol misuse, not depression. It consists of four questions aimed at identifying potential alcohol-related problems. While substance use disorders can co-occur with depression, the CAGE is not the appropriate tool for assessing depression severity and impact.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Assessing the patient's medical history is crucial in understanding potential risk factors for suicide in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Various medical conditions and medications can contribute to depression and increase the risk of suicidal ideation. By gathering this information, the nurse can identify any factors that might exacerbate the patient's condition.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the patient's response to treatment is essential for assessing the effectiveness of interventions and identifying any signs of worsening depression or increased suicidal risk. Certain treatments, like antidepressant medications, might initially increase the risk of suicide in some patients. Therefore, close monitoring is needed to ensure patient safety.
Choice C rationale:
Asking direct questions about suicidal thoughts is a critical component of assessing suicide risk in patients with MDD. Openly addressing this topic allows the nurse to gauge the patient's current state of mind, explore the presence and severity of suicidal ideation, and take appropriate actions if the patient expresses active suicidal thoughts.
Choice D rationale:
Providing a list of local crisis helplines can be beneficial, but it is not a component of the nursing assessment for suicide risk in patients with MDD. While offering resources is important, the immediate focus should be on assessing the patient's condition and potential risk factors.
Choice E rationale:
Encouraging the patient to isolate themselves is not an appropriate action when assessing suicide risk in patients with MDD. Social isolation can exacerbate depressive symptoms and increase the risk of suicide. Therefore, promoting social connection and support is essential, rather than encouraging isolation.
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