An agitated, extremely anxious client is brought to the emergency department and the provider orders alprazolam. The nurse understands alprazolam is appropriate to administer in this situation due to which of the following reasons?

Tolerance is a phenomenon that occurs when a person's body becomes accustomed to a medication over time. This means that the same dose of medication may no longer have the same effect as it did initially. In the case of anxiolytics, tolerance can mean that higher levels of medication are needed to achieve the expected effect. This is why
Option A refers to an increased ability to tolerate side effects, which is not the same as tolerance to the medication itself.
Option B suggests that a different medication is needed, but this is not necessarily the case when tolerance occurs.
Option C refers to greater acceptance of other people's behaviors, which is not related to tolerance to medication.

A. Tolerance can develop over time and lead to the need for higher doses – This is correct because long-term use of clonazepam, like other benzodiazepines, can result in tolerance, potentially necessitating higher doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

B. Skip a dose if you need to drive – This is incorrect. Clients should be advised to take their medication as prescribed and consult their healthcare provider about driving, as clonazepam can impair coordination and reaction times.

C. Skip a dose if you plan to go out drinking with friends – This is incorrect. While it’s important to avoid alcohol when taking clonazepam due to the increased risk of sedation and respiratory depression, clients should not skip doses without consulting their healthcare provider.

D. Do not try to taper yourself off this medication without physician guidance – This is correct. Stopping clonazepam suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and seizure recurrence, so any changes in medication should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.