Alprazolam (Xanax) is prescribed for an adult with panic attacks. The nurse recognizes that this drug exerts its therapeutic effect by interacting with which neurotransmitter?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
Norepinephrine
Acetylcholine
Serotonin (5-HT)
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale: Alprazolam (Xanax) exerts its therapeutic effect by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, leading to anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Choice B rationale: Norepinephrine is not the primary neurotransmitter affected by alprazolam.
Choice C rationale: Acetylcholine is not the primary neurotransmitter affected by alprazolam.
Choice D rationale: Serotonin (5-HT) is not the primary neurotransmitter affected by alprazolam.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Before administering lithium, the nurse should assess serum creatinine levels. Lithium is excreted by the kidneys, and impaired renal function can lead to lithium toxicity.
Choice B rationale: Serum troponin I and T levels are markers of cardiac damage and are not directly related to lithium therapy.
Choice C rationale: Fasting blood glucose level is not specifically related to the assessment needed before administering lithium.
Choice D rationale: Serum lipid profile is not directly related to the assessment needed before administering lithium.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Managing dry-mouth symptoms is not the greatest teaching priority for a patient prescribed varenicline.
Choice B rationale: Increasing fiber in the diet to reduce constipation is not the greatest teaching priority for a patient prescribed varenicline.
Choice C rationale: The greatest teaching priority for a patient prescribed varenicline is to report thoughts of self-harm. Varenicline is a medication used for smoking cessation, and there have been reports of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including suicidal ideation.
Choice D rationale: Teaching about the decreased pleasurable effect of nicotine is important but not the greatest priority compared to ensuring the patient's safety.
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