A nurse is caring for a client who has just begun therapy with alprazolam to treat anxiety. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?
Hearing loss
Insomnia
Bradycardia
Hypertension
The Correct Answer is B
A. Hearing loss: Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine medication, is not typically associated with hearing loss. Adverse effects related to hearing are not commonly reported with the use of alprazolam.
B. Insomnia: Insomnia, or difficulty falling or staying asleep, is a potential adverse effect of alprazolam. While benzodiazepines like alprazolam are central nervous system depressants and can cause drowsiness, paradoxical reactions such as insomnia may occur in some individuals.
C. Bradycardia: Alprazolam is not known to cause bradycardia. Instead, it may cause mild tachycardia or irregular heart rhythms as potential cardiovascular side effects.
D. Hypertension: Alprazolam is more likely to cause hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than hypertension. Hypotension is a potential adverse effect due to its central nervous system depressant effects, which can lead to relaxation of blood vessels and decreased blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a potential adverse effect associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It manifests as involuntary, repetitive movements, primarily involving the face, mouth, and tongue. The nurse should suspect tardive dyskinesia when observing the following manifestations:
A. Involuntary pelvic rocking and hip thrusting movements: These movements are characteristic of tardive dyskinesia and indicate abnormal involuntary motor activity.
B. Urinary retention and constipation: These are not typical manifestations of tardive dyskinesia. Urinary retention and constipation can be side effects of anticholinergic medications but are not associated with tardive dyskinesia.
C. Fine hand tremors and pill rolling: These manifestations are more characteristic of parkinsonism, which can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications but is distinct from tardive dyskinesia.
D. Tongue thrusting and lip smacking: These are classic manifestations of tardive dyskinesia and indicate abnormal involuntary movements of the tongue and lips.
E. Facial grimacing and eye blinking: These are also common manifestations of tardive dyskinesia, involving involuntary movements of the face, including grimacing and blinking of the eyes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Akathisia: Akathisia is characterized by restlessness and an inability to sit still. While it can be a side effect of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol, it does not present with fever, hypertension, and muscle rigidity, as described in the scenario.
B. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): NMS is a potentially life-threatening condition associated with antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. It is characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction (e.g., hypertension), altered mental status, and severe muscle rigidity. The client's symptoms of fever, elevated blood pressure, and muscle rigidity are consistent with NMS.
C. Tardive dyskinesia: Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and other body parts. It is a long-term side effect of antipsychotic medications and typically develops after prolonged use, unlike the acute onset seen in the scenario.
D. Agranulocytosis: Agranulocytosis is a rare but serious side effect of antipsychotic medications, characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count, leading to an increased risk of infection. The symptoms described in the scenario are not consistent with agranulocytosis.
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