A nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety disorder. The client tells the nurse that they have been taking more than the prescribed dose because they feel more anxious lately. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Encourage the client to continue taking benzodiazepines as needed
Advise the client to stop taking benzodiazepines abruptly
Educate the client about the risks of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal
Suggest alternative therapies for anxiety such as meditation or exercise
The Correct Answer is C
Correct answer: c) Educate the client about the risks of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal
Rationale: Taking more than the prescribed dose of benzodiazepines can lead to physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. The nurse should educate the client about these risks and advise them to consult with their prescriber before making any changes to their medication regimen.
Incorrect choices:
a) Encourage the client to continue taking benzodiazepines as needed: This can worsen the client's dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
b) Advise the client to stop taking benzodiazepines abruptly: This can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, delirium, or death.
d) Suggest alternative therapies for anxiety such as meditation or exercise: While these therapies can be helpful for anxiety management, they are not a substitute for medication therapy for clients who have been prescribed benzodiazepines.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Correct answer: a) Grapefruit juice
Rationale: Grapefruit juice can increase the blood levels of alprazolam and other benzodiazepines by inhibiting their metabolism in the liver. This can result in increased sedation, drowsiness, and risk of adverse effects.
Incorrect choices:
b) Green tea: Green tea does not interact with alprazolam or other benzodiazepines.
c) Vitamin C: Vitamin C does not interact with alprazolam or other benzodiazepines.
d) Calcium supplements: Calcium supplements do not interact with alprazolam or other benzodiazepines.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Correct answer: b) Drowsiness and respiratory depression
Rationale: Drowsiness and respiratory depression are signs of opioid overdose and indicate that the client is taking more than the prescribed dose or combining oxycodone with other depressants. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs, administer naloxone if indicated, and report the situation to the prescriber.
Incorrect choices:
a) Constipation and dry mouth: These are common side effects of opioids and do not necessarily indicate abuse.
c) Nausea and vomiting: These are also common side effects of opioids and can be managed with antiemetics.
d) Pupillary constriction and itching: These are also common side effects of opioids and do not necessarily indicate abuse.
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