A nurse is caring for a client who is withdrawing from opioids. Which of the following medications would the nurse prepare to administer?

The correct answer is D:

Choice A reason: “If a dose is missed, double the next dose of medication.” This statement is incorrect. Doubling up on a dose can lead to an overdose and serious side effects. Patients are advised to take the missed dose as soon as they remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose.

Choice B reason: “This medication may increase your blood pressure.” Alprazolam is known to have a sedative effect, which can lower blood pressure rather than increase it. Therefore, this statement is not typically accurate.

Choice C reason: “Do not eat aged cheeses while taking this medication.” This dietary restriction is associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are a different class of medications used to treat depression. Alprazolam does not interact with tyramine-rich foods like aged cheeses, so this statement is not applicable.

Choice D reason: “Use a dependable form of contraception while taking this medication.” Alprazolam falls under FDA Pregnancy Category D, which means there is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite the risks. Therefore, it is important to use reliable contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication.

The correct answer is choice A: "I can't believe the doctor graduated from medical school. He doesn't know a thing about treating cancer!”

Choice A rationale:

Correct Choice This statement reflects denial, which is a common response in the grief process. The client's refusal to accept the doctor's competence in treating their illness is an indication of their emotional struggle to come to terms with the diagnosis and prognosis.

Choice B rationale:

Feeling fatigued and lacking energy can be a physical manifestation of the grief process, but it does not specifically indicate denial. This statement could reflect depression or physical symptoms associated with the client's medical condition.

Choice C rationale:

Expressing gratitude and understanding for the doctor's efforts indicates acceptance, not denial. This statement suggests that the client has reached a point of acknowledging the doctor's attempts to provide care.

Choice D rationale:

ing the doctor's prognosis and assuming exaggeration indicates a negotiation stage of grief, where the client is trying to challenge the reality of their situation. However, this response does not specifically reflect denial as the primary phase of the grief process.