A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for alprazolam to treat insomnia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
"Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving."
"Monitor for peripheral edema."
"Take this medication with a high-fat meal."
"Take this medication every night before sleep."
The Correct Answer is A
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Here's the rationale for each option:
A. "Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving.": Alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function, so it's essential for clients to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while taking this medication. Providing this instruction promotes safety and prevents accidents.
B. "Monitor for peripheral edema.": Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of alprazolam. This instruction is not relevant to the use of this medication.
C. "Take this medication with a high-fat meal.": Alprazolam can be taken with or without food, but taking it with a high-fat meal may delay its absorption. Therefore, it is not necessary to instruct the client to take it with a high-fat meal, especially since this may affect the medication's effectiveness.
D. "Take this medication every night before sleep.": While alprazolam may be used to treat insomnia, it is not typically recommended for nightly use due to the risk of dependence and tolerance. Using it nightly can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Therefore, this instruction is not appropriate.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Children can often be resistant to taking medication, but offering them choices and involving them in the process can help promote cooperation. Here's the rationale for each option:
A. Tell the child it is candy: This strategy involves deception and can lead to trust issues if the child discovers the truth. It's not ethical or recommended to lie to a child about medication.
B. Tell the child he will have to have a shot instead: Threatening the child with a shot is coercive and can cause fear and anxiety. It's not an appropriate or therapeutic approach to encourage cooperation.
C. Hide the medication in a large dish of ice cream: While hiding medication in food may work for some children, it's important to ensure that the child consumes the entire dose. Additionally, it's essential to check with the healthcare provider or pharmacist to confirm that the medication can be taken with food. However, this approach may not address the underlying issue of the child's resistance to taking medication.
D. Offer the child a choice of taking the medication with juice or water: Offering the child a choice empowers them and gives them some control over the situation. By allowing the child to choose how they take the medication, they may feel more comfortable and cooperative. This approach respects the child's autonomy and can be an effective way to encourage cooperation while ensuring the medication is taken as prescribed.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer: D. "I’ll take this medicine first thing in the morning."
A. "I should expect to feel better after 24 hours of starting this medication."
This statement indicates a misunderstanding of the medication's pharmacodynamics. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), generally requires a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks to exhibit therapeutic effects in treating depression. Clients may initially experience side effects, such as nausea or changes in sleep patterns, before noticing any improvement in mood. It's crucial to educate clients about this timeline to manage expectations and encourage adherence to the medication regimen.
B. "I should not take this medicine with grapefruit juice."
This statement is incorrect. While grapefruit juice can affect the metabolism of many medications due to its action on cytochrome P450 enzymes, fluoxetine is not significantly impacted by grapefruit juice. Therefore, clients can consume grapefruit juice without the risk of altering the effectiveness or safety of fluoxetine. Providing accurate dietary information is essential to ensure clients feel confident in their dietary choices while on medication.
C. "I’ll take this medicine with food."
While clients may take fluoxetine with food to help minimize potential gastrointestinal upset, it is not strictly necessary. The medication can be effective whether taken with or without food. This flexibility allows clients to choose the method that works best for their individual tolerance and lifestyle, which can improve adherence and comfort.
D. "I’ll take this medicine first thing in the morning."
This is the correct understanding. Taking fluoxetine in the morning is generally recommended because the medication can cause insomnia or increased alertness in some individuals, particularly when initiated. By taking it in the morning, clients can avoid potential sleep disturbances at night, which is important for maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle and overall well-being. Additionally, consistent timing can help improve adherence to the treatment plan.
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