The nurse is preparing a client for discharge who has been taking alprazolam long-term for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). When evaluating the client's grasp of the discharge teaching, which statement made by the client shows an understanding of the most important self-care goal?

It is essential not to abruptly discontinue taking the medication.

I should report any dizziness, lightheadedness, or sedation.

Attending individual and group therapy sessions is important.

I can report any decrease in anxiety using the 10 point scale.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale: Abrupt discontinuation of alprazolam, a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including rebound anxiety,

insomnia, and potentially seizures. The statement reflects an understanding of the importance of gradual tapering and not abruptly stopping the medication. Choice B rationale: Reporting side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or sedation is important, but the key focus for long-term benzodiazepine use is the need to avoid abrupt discontinuation.

Choice C rationale: While attending therapy sessions is beneficial for managing anxiety, the question is specifically addressing the self-care goal related to medication use. Choice D rationale: Reporting any decrease in anxiety using a 10-point scale is relevant but not as crucial as emphasizing the avoidance of abrupt discontinuation.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. An overdose of cocaine can be lethal:
While this statement is accurate, it focuses on extreme outcomes rather than addressing the student's belief in their ability to control cocaine use. It may not encourage the student to reconsider their stance on trying the drug.

B. Addiction affects all aspects of one's life and one's family:
This response provides important information about the long-term consequences of addiction but does not directly counter the student's claim about their ability to control initial use. It may not be as impactful in the immediate context.

C. Denial of an addiction problem is often the first response to the behavior:
This response assumes the student is already using substances or experiencing addiction. It does not directly address the student's specific belief in their ability to control their actions after trying cocaine.

D. Mind-altering drugs take away one's ability to make good decisions:
This response is most appropriate because it directly challenges the student's confidence in their ability to control their behavior. It provides a logical explanation of why experimenting with cocaine is inherently risky, as it impairs judgment and decision-making, making it harder to "stop" as they claim

A. Refer the client to the cardiology clinic. B. Obtain the client's blood pressure. C. Determine if alprazolam was taken recently. D. Assess the client for substance abuse.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale: Referring the client to the cardiology clinic may be necessary, but obtaining the client's blood pressure is the priority to assess the immediate need for intervention and determine the appropriate course of action.

Choice B rationale: Obtaining the client's blood pressure is the most immediate and relevant action. Chest pain is a potentially serious symptom, and assessing blood pressure will help determine the urgency of the situation.

Choice C rationale: Determining if alprazolam was taken recently is important but may not be the immediate priority when the client is reporting chest pain. Assessing vital signs is crucial in this situation.

Choice D rationale: Assessing the client for substance abuse is relevant to the overall care of the client but may not be the immediate priority when chest pain is reported. The nurse should address potential medical emergencies first.

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The nurse is preparing a client for discharge who has been taking alprazolam long-term for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). When evaluating the client's grasp of the discharge teaching, which statement made by the client shows an understanding of the most important self-care goal?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

During a high school class on substance abuse, a student tells the group, "If I tried cocaine, I know I could handle it. I know when to stop." Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

An older homeless client visits the psychiatric clinic to obtain a prescription renewal for alprazolam. During the health assessment, the client reports experiencing of chest pain. Which action should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) reports feeling "driven" to check the locks on the front door at least six times every night. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

The healthcare provider prescribes lithium carbonate for a client diagnosed with bipolar, manic depression. It is most important for the nurse to review which laboratory finding prior to beginning the drug therapy?

The nurse is planning the care for a client who is hospitalized with a bipolar disorder. The client wanders the hallways, talks excessively, and makes sexual comments about the staff. Which intervention(s) should the nurse include in the plan of care? Select all that apply.

A client who is experiencing a severe level of anxiety and reports a racing heartbeat, dizziness, and expresses a sense that something dreadful will happen. The nurse observes the client pacing and waving hands rapidly. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse is providing care for a client diagnosed with a borderline personality disorder who has self-inflicted lacerations on the abdomen. Which approach should the nurse use when changing this client's dressings?