Two months after beginning drug therapy with alprazolam, a client states, "I feel much better, but I can't believe how dizzy and light-headed I get, and sometimes my mouth feels dry." Which would be the priority response by the nurse?
"You will need to take this medication with food from now on."
"You should avoid dangerous activities because of the side effects you are experiencing."
"The medication is usually prescribed for a short time, and the side effects may go away."
"You can use sugarless gum or candy to relieve some of those symptoms."
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason
Taking alprazolam with food may help with some gastrointestinal side effects but does not address the client's concerns about dizziness and light-headedness. While it is a practical suggestion, it is not the priority response when the client is experiencing symptoms that could affect their safety¹.
Choice B Reason
The priority for the nurse is to ensure the client's safety. Dizziness and light-headedness can increase the risk of falls or accidents, especially when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Therefore, advising the client to avoid dangerous activities is the most immediate and appropriate response¹.
Choice C Reason
While it is true that alprazolam is often prescribed for short-term use and some side effects may diminish over time, this does not provide the client with a solution to their current symptoms. The nurse should address the client's immediate concerns and ensure their safety before discussing the duration of medication use¹.
Choice D Reason
Using sugarless gum or candy can help with dry mouth, which is a common side effect of alprazolam. However, this advice does not address the more serious side effects of dizziness and light-headedness that the client is experiencing. Therefore, it is not the priority response but can be included as additional advice¹.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice a reason:
A history of allergy to iodine is a critical finding to report before a coronary angiography because the contrast dye used in the procedure typically contains iodine. Patients with an iodine allergy may experience severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Precautions such as premedication with steroids and antihistamines or the use of alternative contrast agents may be necessary.
Choice b reason:
A serum potassium level of 4.0 mEq/L is within the normal range, which is approximately 3.5 to 5.2 mEq/L for adults. Therefore, this finding is not significant and does not need to be reported to the healthcare provider prior to the procedure.
Choice c reason:
A blood pressure reading of 138/90 mmHg is slightly elevated but does not reach the threshold for stage 1 hypertension, which starts at 140/90 mmHg for individuals under 60 years of age. While it should be monitored, it is not an urgent concern that needs to be reported immediately before a coronary angiography unless the patient shows symptoms of hypertensive crisis.
Choice d reason:
An EKG showing atrial fibrillation is an important finding; however, it is not typically a contraindication for coronary angiography unless the patient is hemodynamically unstable or symptomatic. Atrial fibrillation can increase the risk of stroke, but anticoagulation management is usually the focus rather than postponing necessary diagnostic procedures.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and communication difficulties. Jaw clenching and rocking are forms of self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) often observed in individuals with ASD¹³¹⁴. These behaviors can serve as a coping mechanism to manage sensory overload or express emotions.
Choice B Reason:
Stereotypic Movement Disorder involves repetitive, seemingly purposeless movements. While jaw clenching and rocking could be symptoms, they are more commonly associated with ASD. Stereotypic Movement Disorder is typically diagnosed when these behaviors interfere significantly with normal activities or result in self-harm, which is not mentioned in the child's description.
Choice C Reason:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. The behaviors described, jaw clenching and rocking, are not typical indicators of ADHD, which more commonly includes symptoms like difficulty staying focused, hyperactivity, and impulsive actions.
Choice D Reason:
Intellectual Disability Disorder is characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior, which covers a range of everyday social and practical skills. The behaviors of jaw clenching and rocking do not directly indicate Intellectual Disability Disorder. This condition is usually identified by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning, not by specific behaviors like those described.
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