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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Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale:
Responding with, "It sounds like you're feeling really hopeless right now," is an empathetic and therapeutic response. It reflects active listening and shows that the nurse acknowledges the client's feelings without making assumptions or offering false reassurance. This response validates the client's emotions and opens the door for further discussion, potentially leading to better understanding and support.
Choice A rationale:
Responding with, "Don't worry, things will get better soon," is dismissive and invalidating. It minimizes the client's feelings and offers premature reassurance without addressing the client's current emotional state.
Choice B rationale:
Responding with, "I know how you feel. I've been there too," shifts the focus from the client to the nurse. While sharing personal experiences can be helpful in certain contexts, it's important to prioritize the client's emotions and experiences first.
Choice D rationale:
Responding with, "You need to focus on the positive aspects of life," is directive and dismissive of the client's emotions. It implies that the client's feelings are invalid and suggests a solution without fully understanding the client's perspective.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Antidepressants are not commonly used to reduce psychotic symptoms during manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Antidepressants are primarily used to manage depressive symptoms and may exacerbate manic symptoms if used alone.
Choice B rationale:
Mood stabilizers are an appropriate class of medications used to manage bipolar disorder. However, they are more focused on preventing mood swings and stabilizing the mood rather than directly reducing psychotic symptoms during manic episodes.
Choice C rationale:
Benzodiazepines are not typically used as a first-line treatment for reducing psychotic symptoms during manic episodes in bipolar disorder. They might have a sedative effect, but they are not the primary choice for managing acute manic symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Antipsychotics are commonly used to reduce psychotic symptoms during manic episodes in bipolar disorder. They help to alleviate symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking that can occur during manic episodes. Examples of antipsychotics used in this context include risperidone, olanzapine, and aripiprazole. These medications help stabilize the individual and manage the acute symptoms of mania.
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