A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety and insomnia for several months. The client tells the nurse that he wants to stop taking the medication because he feels better now. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

“You can stop taking the medication as long as you taper off gradually.”

“You should continue taking the medication until your doctor tells you to stop.”

“You can stop taking the medication immediately without any problems.”

“You should switch to a non-benzodiazepine medication instead.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

You can stop taking the medication as long as you taper off gradually.

This is because lorazepam (Ativan) is a benzodiazepine that can cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. Tapering off the dose reduces the risk of withdrawal and rebound anxiety or insomnia.

Choice B is wrong because continuing to take the medication indefinitely may increase the risk of tolerance, dependence, and adverse effects such as sedation, confusion, and memory impairment.

Choice C is wrong because stopping the medication immediately can cause severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, tremors, agitation, and hallucinations.

Choice D is wrong because switching to a non-benzodiazepine medication without tapering off lorazepam may not prevent withdrawal symptoms and may cause drug interactions or adverse effects from the new medication.

Normal ranges for lorazepam (Ativan) are 0.02 to 0.03 mg/kg/day divided into two or three doses for anxiety and 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg at bedtime for insomnia.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

The client should avoid foods that are high in tyramine while taking phenelzine, which is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression. Tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs.

Choice B is wrong because shrimp is not high in tyramine and can be safely consumed by the client.

Choice D is wrong because raisins are not high in tyramine and can be safely consumed by the client.

Some examples of foods that are high in tyramine are avocado, cheddar cheese, pepperoni, aged meats, smoked fish, soy sauce, sauerkraut, beer, and red wine.

The normal range for blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.A hypertensive crisis is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 180 mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or higher.The client should monitor their blood pressure regularly and report any signs of a hypertensive crisis, such as severe headache, chest pain, blurred vision, nausea, or confusion.

A. Discontinue the medication immediately. B. Increase the dose of the medication. C. Encourage the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed. D. Administer a stimulant medication.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is because fatigue is a common side effect of SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) that usually improves over time.SNRIs are a type of antidepressant that work by correcting chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Choice A is wrong because Discontinue the medication immediately is wrong because abruptly stopping an SNRI can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, and dizziness.

The patient should consult with their provider before stopping or changing their medication.

Choice B is wrong because Increase the dose of the medication is wrong because increasing the dose of an SNRI can increase the risk of adverse effects such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

The patient should follow the prescribed dose and not adjust it without medical advice.

Choice D is wrong because Administer a stimulant medication is wrong because stimulant medications can interact with SNRIs and cause serious problems such as serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, confusion, fever, and muscle rigidity. The patient should avoid taking any other medications without consulting their provider.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety and insomnia for several months. The client tells the nurse that he wants to stop taking the medication because he feels better now. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for phenelzine for depression. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid while taking this medication? (Select all that apply.).

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

A patient has been prescribed an SNRI for depression and reports feeling more fatigued since starting the medication. The nurse should:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril). The nurse should closely monitor the client for which potential adverse effect?

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is taking risperidone (Risperdal). Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to a potential adverse effect of this medication? (Select all that apply.)

Select all that apply: A client has been prescribed an MAOI for depression and reports eating aged cheese and drinking red wine at dinner last night.

A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed carbamazepine (Tegretol). Which of the following adverse effects should be reported immediately?

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A nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed hydroxyzine (Vistaril) for anxiety and pruritus due to an allergic reaction. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A patient has been prescribed an SSRI for depression and reports feeling more anxious since starting the medication. The nurse should:

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