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","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice B rationale:
Male gender is a significant risk factor for suicide. Men are more likely to die by suicide than women, with rates being approximately 3.5 times higher in men than women in the United States.
Several factors contribute to this increased risk:
Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. This may be due to societal expectations of masculinity, which often discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help for emotional distress.
Men are more likely to use more lethal means of suicide. For example, men are more likely to use firearms, which have a higher fatality rate than other methods such as poisoning or cutting.
Men may be more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness. These factors can increase the risk of suicide, as they can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Men may be more likely to experience substance abuse problems. Substance abuse can increase the risk of suicide, as it can impair judgment and impulse control, and can also lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Choice C rationale:
Recent marriage is not a risk factor for suicide. In fact, some studies have shown that marriage may have a protective effect against suicide.
However, it's important to note that relationship problems, including separation, divorce, or domestic violence, can be significant risk factors for suicide.
Choice D rationale:
Age greater than 55 is a risk factor for suicide. Suicide rates are highest among older adults, particularly among men aged 85 and older.
Several factors contribute to this increased risk:
Older adults are more likely to experience chronic health conditions and pain. These conditions can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, and can also make it more difficult to cope with stress.
Older adults are more likely to experience social isolation and loneliness. These factors can increase the risk of suicide, as they can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Older adults are more likely to experience bereavement and loss. The loss of a spouse, family members, or friends can be a major stressor, and can increase the risk of suicide.
Choice E rationale:
Diagnosis of schizophrenia is a significant risk factor for suicide.
People with schizophrenia are approximately 10 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Several factors contribute to this increased risk:
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that can cause significant distress and impairment.
People with schizophrenia may experience hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These symptoms can be very distressing and can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
People with schizophrenia may also experience social isolation and stigma. These factors can further increase the risk of suicide.
Correct Answer is ["2"]
Explanation
Step 1: Identify the required dose of lithium, which is 300 mg.
Step 2: Identify the available dose of lithium carbonate, which is 150 mg per capsule.
Step 3: Calculate the number of capsules needed using the formula: Number of capsules = Required dose ÷ Available dose.
Numberofcapsules=300 mg150 mg/capsule
\(Number\ of\ capsules = {300\ mg \over 150\ mg/capsule}\)
Step 4: Solve the equation.
Numberofcapsules=2 capsulesNumberofcapsules=2capsules
So, the nurse should administer 2 capsules per dose to achieve the required lithium dose of 300 mg.
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