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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Lithium is a mood stabilizer commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder, but it has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Therefore, it's crucial for the client to recognize the signs of lithium toxicity. Here's the rationale for each option:
A. "Vomiting is an indication of toxicity.": This statement is correct. Vomiting is one of the early signs of lithium toxicity and should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately.
B. "I will report any loss of appetite.": While loss of appetite can be a symptom of lithium toxicity, it is not one of the most common or specific signs. Other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and confusion, are more indicative of lithium toxicity.
C. "I will call my provider if I experience any headaches.": Headaches are not typically associated with lithium toxicity. Symptoms such as severe diarrhea, tremors, confusion, and decreased coordination are more indicative of lithium toxicity.
D. "Increased flatulence is an indication of toxicity.": Increased flatulence is not a typical manifestation of lithium toxicity. Symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, tremors, confusion, and changes in coordination are more common signs of toxicity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Give the medication: Administering expired medication poses potential risks to the client's safety and efficacy of treatment. Therefore, giving the medication is not appropriate.
B. Discard the medication: Expired medications may have decreased potency or even become harmful due to chemical changes over time. It is essential to discard expired medications to ensure client safety and maintain the effectiveness of treatment.
C. Notify the provider: While it's important to communicate issues related to medication administration to the healthcare provider, in this case, the expired medication should not be used regardless of provider notification.
D. Return the medication to the pharmacy: Returning expired medication to the pharmacy might be appropriate in some settings, but it is not the primary action to take in this situation. The priority is to ensure the client does not receive expired medication.
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