When providing education to the patient on the use of a benzodiazepine medication, what information will the nurse include?
These drugs are safe to take with alcohol.
The medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
These drugs should be taken with meals to improve absorption.
The medication can be stopped abruptly without any side effects.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants that enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant. Combining these substances can lead to a dangerous synergistic effect, resulting in profound sedation, respiratory depression, and potentially fatal overdose. Therefore, patients must be explicitly advised to avoid alcohol.
Choice B rationale
Benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. This action leads to a generalized decrease in neuronal excitability, which is responsible for their anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic effects. As a result, common side effects include drowsiness and dizziness, which can impair a patient's ability to drive or operate machinery.
Choice C rationale
Benzodiazepine absorption is generally not significantly affected by food. While some medications may have improved absorption with meals, benzodiazepines do not require this. Taking the medication with or without food does not substantially alter its bioavailability or efficacy, so this instruction is not a necessary part of patient education regarding this drug class.
Choice D rationale
Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening. These symptoms may include rebound anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and psychosis. The body adapts to the presence of the drug, and sudden removal can cause a state of hyper-excitability. Therefore, the medication should always be tapered under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The HbA1c test measures the average blood glucose concentration over the past two to three months by assessing the amount of glycated hemoglobin in red blood cells. It does not differentiate between type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, as both conditions can result in elevated blood glucose levels and thus an elevated HbA1c reading. A diagnosis of type 1 versus type 2 diabetes requires a different diagnostic approach.
Choice B rationale
The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin with glucose molecules attached. This is an indicator of long-term average blood glucose control and is not a marker for infection. Infections can cause an acute increase in blood glucose levels but do not directly or immediately affect the HbA1c, which reflects a longer-term trend. The normal HbA1c is below 5.7%.
Choice C rationale
Glycated hemoglobin forms when hemoglobin in red blood cells binds to glucose in the bloodstream. Since red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, the HbA1c level reflects the average blood glucose concentration over the preceding two to three months. This provides a valuable metric for assessing patient adherence to diet, exercise, and medication regimens over an extended period.
Choice D rationale
The HbA1c value represents the average blood glucose level over a two to three month period, not the patient’s current or fasting blood glucose level. A fasting blood glucose test measures the glucose concentration in the blood at a single point in time, specifically after at least eight hours of not eating. These two tests provide different snapshots of glycemic control.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker used for long-term management of angina by reducing myocardial oxygen demand. It is not suitable for immediate relief of an acute anginal attack because its onset of action is slower than that required for rapid symptom resolution.
Choice B rationale
Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator that is the preferred medication for immediate relief of acute angina. It works by relaxing vascular smooth muscle, primarily in the veins, leading to a reduction in preload and myocardial oxygen demand, and also dilating coronary arteries.
Choice C rationale
Amlodipine is a long-acting calcium channel blocker used for the prevention of angina. It is not used for acute attacks because its primary effect is on chronic vasodilation and reduction of afterload, and it does not have a rapid onset of action suitable for immediate relief.
Choice D rationale
Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent used to prevent myocardial infarction in patients with coronary artery disease. While it is often administered during a suspected heart attack to reduce clot formation, it does not provide immediate symptomatic relief of anginal pain.
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