A nurse is caring for a client recently diagnosed with panic disorder. The provider has prescribed pharmacologic treatment. Which of the following medications are commonly used in the treatment of panic disorder? (Select all that apply.)
Propranolol
Clonidine
Alprazolam
Buspirone
Clonazepam
Correct Answer : C,E
Choice A reason: Propranolol is a beta-blocker primarily used for performance-related anxiety and physical symptoms like tremors or palpitations. It is not considered first-line or standard treatment for panic disorder.
Choice B reason: Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used more often for hypertension, withdrawal syndromes, and sometimes ADHD. It is not a recommended pharmacologic option for panic disorder.
Choice C reason: Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, is effective for acute management of panic attacks by rapidly reducing anxiety. However, it is generally used short-term due to risks of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.
Choice D reason: Buspirone is an anxiolytic used mainly for generalized anxiety disorder. It lacks efficacy in panic disorder and is not typically prescribed for it.
Choice E reason: Clonazepam, another benzodiazepine, is often used to manage panic disorder due to its longer half-life compared to alprazolam, making it effective in reducing frequency and severity of panic attacks.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Schizophrenia rarely presents in early childhood; cases in preschoolers are extremely uncommon and considered childhood-onset schizophrenia.
Choice B reason: While symptoms may persist into later life, new-onset schizophrenia is unusual in older adults and should prompt investigation for other causes such as dementia or medical illness.
Choice C reason: Schizophrenia most commonly develops in late adolescence to early adulthood, with men typically diagnosed in their late teens to early 20s and women in their late 20s to early 30s.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Sedative medications may be used in severe cases, but immediate nursing care focuses on nonpharmacologic interventions to ensure safety and reduce stimulation. Medication is not the first-line action.
Choice B reason: Providing a calm environment with reduced external stimuli while encouraging expression of feelings helps the client regain control and decreases anxiety during a panic episode. This is the most appropriate nursing intervention.
Choice C reason: Detailed problem-solving requires higher-level cognitive functioning, which is impaired during a panic attack. Attempting this intervention may increase the client’s distress.
Choice D reason: Allowing expression without guidance offers no therapeutic support and may leave the client overwhelmed by panic symptoms, prolonging the episode.
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