A mental health nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The client has a prescription for lorazepam 2 mg PO every 6 hr PRN anxiety.
For which of the following client statements should the nurse consider administering lorazepam?
The client tells the nurse that he is too tired to attend the group meeting.
The client states, "I see purple bugs crawling on the wall."
The client tells the nurse he is a government agent.
The client states, "My heart is pounding out of my chest.".
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: Feeling too tired to attend a group meeting does not necessarily indicate anxiety. It could be due to various reasons such as lack of sleep, side effects of medication, or lack of motivation, which are not indications for administering lorazepam.
Choice B rationale: Seeing “purple bugs crawling on the wall” is a hallucination, which is a symptom of schizophrenia, not anxiety. Lorazepam is not typically used as the first-line treatment for hallucinations.
Choice C rationale: Believing that he is a government agent is a delusion, which is a symptom of schizophrenia. Lorazepam is not typically used as the first-line treatment for delusions.
Choice D rationale: “My heart is pounding out of my chest” is a common symptom of anxiety. It indicates that the client might be experiencing physiological symptoms of anxiety such as increased heart rate and palpitations. In this case, administering lorazepam, which is an anxiolytic medication, would be appropriate.
In conclusion, the nurse should consider administering lorazepam when the client states, “My heart is pounding out of my chest.”
Lorazepam is a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. It works by slowing down the activity in the brain and nervous system, producing a calming effect.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that persists for at least 6 months, interfering with daily life.
Important Considerations:
Lorazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
It should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, who can assess the individual's needs and potential risks.
Self-treating with lorazepam is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.
If you have concerns about anxiety or are considering using lorazepam, please consult a licensed physician or mental health professional for proper diagnosis and treatment guidance.
Remember,
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Dismissive and unsupportive: This response discounts the client's son's feelings of guilt and obligation toward their parent. It also implies that the client's son's presence is not valuable, which could further increase their distress.
Undermines the client's son's role as a caregiver: It suggests that the client's son has no responsibilities or ability to contribute to their parent's care, which could diminish their sense of agency and potentially lead to resentment or regret.
Fails to address the underlying emotions: It does not acknowledge the client's son's internal conflict and emotional turmoil, which is essential for providing effective support.
Choice C rationale:
Offers a practical solution, but may not address the core issue: While calling the children could provide temporary reassurance, it may not fully alleviate the client's son's feelings of guilt or anxiety about leaving their parent.
May not be feasible or sufficient: The client's son may need more than a phone call to feel comfortable leaving, and they may not be able to reach their children immediately.
Could be perceived as dismissive: It could suggest that the nurse is minimizing the client's son's concerns and not fully understanding their emotional needs.
Choice D rationale:
Reassuring, but may not address the client's son's guilt: While it provides assurance about the client's care, it does not directly acknowledge or validate the client's son's feelings of guilt or obligation.
Focuses on the client's care, but not the client's son's needs: It prioritizes the physical care of the client, but may overlook the emotional needs of the client's son, who is also a primary stakeholder in the situation.
May not be enough to alleviate the client's son's concerns: The client's son may still feel responsible for their parent's well- being, even with reassurance from the nurse.
Choice B rationale:
Empathetic and validates the client's son's feelings: It directly acknowledges the client's son's conflicting emotions and demonstrates understanding of their difficult situation.
Promotes self-reflection and exploration: It encourages the client's son to further express their feelings and explore their options, which can lead to greater clarity and self-awareness.
Facilitates decision-making: It helps the client's son to weigh their priorities and make a decision that aligns with their values and responsibilities, ultimately empowering them to take action.
Strengthens the therapeutic relationship: It demonstrates the nurse's ability to connect with the client's son on an emotional level, building trust and rapport.
Correct Answer is ["1.5"]
Explanation
Step 1 is to determine the total amount of medication needed, which is 300 mg.
Step 2 is to determine the amount of medication available per tablet, which is 200 mg.
Step 3 is to calculate the number of tablets needed by dividing the total amount of medication needed by the amount available per tablet.
So, the calculation is: 300 mg ÷ 200 mg/tablet = 1.5 tablets Therefore, the nurse should administer 1.5 tablets.
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