A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a depressive disorder, who is in alcohol withdrawal, and reports a recent job loss. Which of the following should be the priority nursing intervention?

Refer the client to a mental health care provider for evaluation and treatment.

Determine the presence and degree of suicidal risk.

Identify support groups in the community for long-term treatment.

Assist the client to identify negative effects of chemical dependency.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason:
Referring the client to a mental health care provider is an important step, but it may not be the immediate priority. The referral process can be initiated once the client's immediate safety and acute needs are addressed.

Choice B reason:
Determining the presence and degree of suicidal risk is the priority nursing intervention. Clients with depressive disorders, especially those experiencing significant life stressors such as job loss and undergoing alcohol withdrawal, are at a higher risk for suicide. It is crucial to assess their risk and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.

Choice C reason:
Identifying support groups is a valuable part of long-term treatment and recovery, but it is not the immediate priority. Support groups can provide ongoing assistance and a sense of community once the client is stable and ready to engage in long-term recovery.

Choice D reason:
Assisting the client to identify the negative effects of chemical dependency is an important aspect of treatment, but it is not the immediate priority. This intervention is part of the client's long-term recovery and education process.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Decreasing the dose of Xanax (alprazolam) is often necessary when a client shows signs of dependency or when there are concerns about potential side effects, such as uncontrolled hypertension. Xanax is a fast-acting benzodiazepine, which can be highly addictive, especially when taken in doses of 4 mg/day for longer than 12 weeks. It is essential to monitor the client's blood pressure and adjust the medication accordingly to avoid exacerbating hypertension.

Choice B reason:
Increasing the dose may temporarily control symptoms of anxiety, but it also increases the risk of dependency and other side effects. Given the client's uncontrolled hypertension, increasing the dose could lead to further complications.

Choice C reason:
This statement is incorrect. Xanax does cause dependency, and it is one of the most addictive benzodiazepine medications on the market today. Dependency can develop quickly, even in users who follow a prescribed dosing schedule.

Choice D reason:
While Ativan (Lorazepam) is also used to treat anxiety, adding it to the client's medication regimen without careful consideration could increase the risk of dependency and adverse effects. Both Xanax and Ativan are benzodiazepines, and their combined use should be monitored closely by a healthcare professional.

A. Caffeine B. Alcohol C. Inhalants D. Cocaine

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Caffeine is not typically associated with liver cirrhosis. While excessive consumption of caffeine can have various health implications, it is not considered a direct cause of liver cirrhosis. The liver metabolizes caffeine without significant damage or scarring to the liver tissue.

Choice B reason:
Alcohol is the primary cause of liver cirrhosis in many cases. Chronic alcohol abuse leads to liver damage and subsequent scarring, known as cirrhosis. The liver's function is to process and filter toxins, including alcohol. Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption overwhelms the liver's ability to process it, leading to inflammation, damage, and eventually scarring of the liver tissue.

Choice C reason:
Inhalants are substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, or mind-altering, effect. While they can cause a range of acute and chronic health issues, including damage to the heart, kidneys, lungs, and brain, they are not commonly associated with liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is not a typical consequence of inhalant use.

Choice D reason:
Cocaine use can lead to various health problems, including cardiovascular and neurological issues, but it is not commonly identified as a primary cause of liver cirrhosis. Cocaine metabolites can be toxic to the liver; however, the direct causation of cirrhosis from cocaine alone is less established compared to alcohol-related liver disease.

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A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a depressive disorder, who is in alcohol withdrawal, and reports a recent job loss. Which of the following should be the priority nursing intervention?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking Xanax (alprazolam) for anxiety. The nurse anticipates which of the following?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a community education course about the physical complications related to substance use disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the primary cause of liver cirrhosis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with a blood alcohol level of 36%. Which of the following should be included in the priority risk assessment for a client with acute alcohol intoxication? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about alcohol tolerance with a newly admitted client. Which of the following statements by the client indicates that the teaching was effective?

A nurse on an acute care mental health unit is examining the belongings of a client who is being admitted following a suicide attempt. Which of the following belongings should the nurse ask the client's partner to take back home? (Select all that apply)

A client presents with symptoms consistent with factitious disorder. Which of the following hypotheses should the nurse prioritize in the care of this client? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is admitting a patient to the medical unit who has a history of alcohol use disorder. The nurse should be aware of which of the following potential long-term physiological effects on the patient's body? (Select all that apply)

A nurse is planning care for a newly admitted client diagnosed with major depressive disorder following the loss of a child. Which of the following goals should the nurse identify as the priority?

A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder tells the nurse that he and his family would be better off if he were gone. Which of the following is the nurse's priority response?

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as Duloxetine, are used for generalized anxiety disorder. Which of the following increases the risk for the client developing serotonin syndrome?