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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and sedation as side effects.Therefore, the client should avoid activities that require alertness and coordination while taking this medication.

Choice B is wrong because hydroxyzine can be taken with or without food.Taking it on an empty stomach does not increase absorption.

Choice C is wrong because hydroxyzine can cause dry mouth as a side effect, but the client does not need to drink plenty of fluids or suck on hard candy to prevent it.These measures may help relieve the discomfort of dry mouth, but they are not necessary instructions for taking hydroxyzine.

Choice D is wrong because hydroxyzine does not cause urinary retention or difficulty urinating as side effects.These are signs of anticholinergic toxicity, which can occur with other medications such as tricyclic antidepressants or antipsychotics.

A. Avocado B. Shrimp C. Cheddar cheese D. Raisins E. Pepperoni.

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.

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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 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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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 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?

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

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

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and exhibits a lack of grooming and a flat affect. The nurse should anticipate a prescription of which of the following medications?

A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is taking lithium carbonate (Lithobid). Which of the following laboratory tests should be monitored periodically while the client is taking this medication?

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.)

A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate (Lithobid). Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored regularly while taking this medication?

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.