A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed alprazolam, a benzodiazepine for managing severe manifestations of anxiety. Which of the following should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?
Foods that are known to be high in dietary tyramine should be avoided
increase the dose of medication as needed if relief of manifestations is not experienced.
Avoid driving or eating heavy machinery until you know how alprazolam affects you
manifestations should be expected after a few weeks of therapy.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Foods that are high in dietary tyramine are more relevant to certain antidepressant medications, particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and are not a specific concern with alprazolam.
B. Increasing the dose of the medication without consulting the healthcare provider is not appropriate. Adjustments to the dosage should be done under the guidance of the healthcare provider.
C. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how alprazolam affects you.
This is an important safety consideration when using benzodiazepines such as alprazolam. Benzodiazepines can cause drowsiness and impair coordination, so clients should be advised to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they are aware of how the medication affects them.
D. Manifestations of anxiety should improve with the use of alprazolam, and relief of symptoms can occur relatively quickly. However, it is essential to inform the client that long-term use of benzodiazepines may lead to tolerance and dependence. They should not abruptly stop the medication without consulting their healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I should sit on the side of the bed before standing up in the morning."
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can cause orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, clients taking amitriptyline should be advised to sit on the side of the bed for a few moments before standing up, especially in the morning when orthostatic changes may be more pronounced.
B. "I may experience an increased libido." This statement is not related to the common side effects of amitriptyline. Changes in libido are not typically associated with this medication.
C. "I will avoid drinking caffeinated beverages." While it's generally a good idea to limit caffeine intake, this statement is not a specific instruction related to amitriptyline. However, reducing caffeine consumption can be beneficial because amitriptyline may enhance the stimulant effects of caffeine.
D. "I can no longer eat pepperoni pizza." This statement is not directly related to amitriptyline. There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with amitriptyline use, and the client can continue to eat pepperoni pizza unless there are individual dietary concerns or interactions with other medications.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "A single dose of diazepam is unlikely to cause side effects" is not accurate. Diazepam, like any medication, can have side effects even with a single dose. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness.
B. "Grapefruit juice inactivates this medication" is not specifically true for diazepam. However, grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications by inhibiting their metabolism in the liver, leading to increased levels of the drug in the bloodstream. It's essential to check for specific drug interactions, but this statement is not a key consideration for diazepam.
C. "Diazepam can cause drowsiness" is an important piece of information to include because diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that can have sedative effects. Alerting the client to the potential for drowsiness is crucial to prevent any safety issues, such as falls or accidents.
D. "Avoid foods that contain tyramine" is not relevant to diazepam. Tyramine is associated with certain foods and can be a concern with medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Diazepam is not an MAOI, so this advice does not apply to its use.
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