A nurse is caring for a client with anxiety disorder who is prescribed anxiolytic medication. What is the mechanism of action of anxiolytics?
Blocking the effects of adrenaline.
Increasing the availability of neurotransmitters.
Modulating the activity of glutamate.
Enhancing the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Blocking the effects of adrenaline is not the mechanism of action for anxiolytics. Anxiolytics primarily target neurotransmitter systems in the brain, not adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) pathways.
Choice B rationale:
Increasing the availability of neurotransmitters is not the primary mechanism of anxiolytics. While neurotransmitters are involved, anxiolytics like benzodiazepines and SSRIs focus on specific neurotransmitter systems, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin, rather than merely increasing neurotransmitter availability.
Choice C rationale:
Modulating the activity of glutamate is not the primary mechanism of anxiolytics. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, and its modulation is more relevant to agents used in conditions like schizophrenia, rather than anxiety disorders.
Choice D rationale:
Enhancing the activity of serotonin and norepinephrine is the correct mechanism of anxiolytics. Medications like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) work by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine play critical roles in mood regulation and anxiety modulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
"Development of coping skills."
Choice A rationale:
Increased risk of depression is not a positive outcome of nursing interventions. The goal is to alleviate symptoms and improve the client's well-being, not to introduce new mental health challenges.
Choice B rationale:
Reduced adherence to medical treatment is a negative outcome. It suggests that the client's anxiety might be interfering with their ability to follow recommended treatments, which is undesirable.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. Developing coping skills is a positive outcome. It indicates that the client is learning effective ways to manage their anxiety, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Choice D rationale:
Impairment in personal domains is a negative outcome. Nursing interventions aim to improve functioning and minimize impairment, so this choice contradicts the therapeutic goals.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fluoxetine is an example of an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor), which is commonly prescribed for anxiety disorders and depression. It increases serotonin levels in the brain, helping to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity, leading to sedative and anxiolytic effects. It's used to treat anxiety disorders, although it can be habit-forming and is usually prescribed for short-term use.
Choice C rationale:
Propranolol is a beta-blocker that primarily treats hypertension and certain cardiac conditions, but it can also be used to manage the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate and tremors.
Choice D rationale:
Gabapentin is not a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, but it's sometimes used off-label to manage anxiety symptoms. It modulates the release of certain neurotransmitters, which can have a calming effect.
Choice E rationale:
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used for allergies and as a sleep aid. It's not a standard pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders.
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