A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed alprazolam to manage severe manifestations of anxiety. Which of the following should the nurse prepare to discuss with the client?
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how alprazolam affects you.
Relief of manifestations should be expected after a few weeks of therapy.
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.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impair motor coordination. Therefore, the nurse should advise the client to avoid activities that require alertness until they understand how the medication affects them.
B. Alprazolam provides relatively quick relief of anxiety symptoms, often within hours, rather than requiring weeks of therapy like some other medications.
C. Foods high in tyramine are a concern for clients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not alprazolam.
D. Increasing the dose without guidance from a healthcare provider is unsafe. The client should not adjust their medication dosage without consulting the provider.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Impulsivity, a hallmark of mania, can increase the risk of suicidal behavior, particularly if the client makes rash decisions without regard for consequences.
B. Identifying with problems expressed by others does not necessarily indicate suicidal thoughts, but rather may show empathy or a desire for connection.
C. Wanting to go home may indicate longing for normalcy, but by itself, it does not suggest imminent risk for suicide.
D. Playing basketball can indicate engagement with others and an improvement in mood or functioning, rather than an increased suicide risk.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While gastrointestinal side effects are common with fluoxetine, they are not the priority concern in the context of bipolar disorder.
B. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an SSRI used to treat depression, but in patients with bipolar disorder, it can trigger a manic episode. Therefore, the nurse's priority is to monitor for signs of mania, such as increased energy, euphoria, or impulsivity.
C. Administering the medication as ordered is essential, but the nurse must be vigilant for signs of mania, especially with SSRIs in bipolar patients.
D. Educating about weight gain is important but does not address the immediate risk of precipitating mania with fluoxetine in a bipolar patient.
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