A mental health nurse is planning care for a client who has a new prescription for clonazepam. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse plan to monitor?

Choice A rationale: Giving the client a PRN sleeping medication is not the best option in this situation. While it might help the client sleep, it does not address the underlying issue causing the client’s anxiety and restlessness. It’s important to remember that medication should not be the first line of treatment unless necessary. Instead, non- pharmacological interventions should be explored first.

Choice B rationale: Encouraging the client to go back to bed might seem like a reasonable action. However, it might not be helpful if the client is feeling restless and anxious. Forcing the client to stay in bed might increase their anxiety and restlessness. It’s important to address the client’s feelings and provide comfort and reassurance.

Choice C rationale: Remaining with the client is the best action to take in this situation. The client is showing signs of anxiety and restlessness, and the presence of the nurse can provide comfort and reassurance. The nurse can use this time to talk to the client, understand their concerns, and provide emotional support. This can help to alleviate the client’s anxiety and might make it easier for them to relax and eventually sleep.

Choice D rationale: Exploring alternatives to pacing the floor with the client might be a good option, but it’s not the best initial action. While it’s important to provide the client with alternatives to help manage their anxiety, the first step should be to provide comfort and reassurance. Once the client is feeling calmer, the nurse can then discuss different strategies to help manage their anxiety.

Choice A rationale:

Obsession over a fictitious defect in physical appearance is characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder become preoccupied with an imagined or slight defect in their appearance, often to the point of significant distress and impairment in functioning.

They may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, repeatedly check their appearance in mirrors, or avoid social situations due to their appearance concerns.

While individuals with GAD may also experience concerns about their physical appearance, these concerns are typically not as severe or pervasive as those seen in body dysmorphic disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Constant worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness is a hallmark feature of GAD.

Individuals with GAD often experience excessive worry about a variety of things, including health, finances, relationships, and work.

This worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension.

The worry is typically difficult to control and can significantly interfere with daily life.

Choice C rationale:

Sudden unexplained loss of vision without a physical medical explanation is not a common symptom of GAD. It may be indicative of a more serious medical condition, such as a stroke or a neurological disorder.

It is important to rule out any potential medical causes before attributing a symptom like this to GAD.

Choice D rationale:

Prior physical health followed by the need for two surgeries within the last three months may be a stressful life event that could contribute to the development of GAD.

However, it is not a specific symptom of GAD.

Many people experience stressful life events without developing GAD.

The presence of other symptoms, such as excessive worry and physical symptoms, is necessary for a diagnosis of GAD.