A nurse is instructing a nursing assistant on how to assist a patient with bathing.

The patient has hemiparesis on the left side due to a stroke.

Which of the following statements by the nursing assistant demonstrates understanding of the teaching?

Choice D rationale:

Taking zolpidem before bedtime is the correct information to include in the education. Zolpidem is a medication used for the short-term treatment of insomnia and should be taken immediately before going to bed to facilitate sleep onset.

Choice A rationale:

Crushing zolpidem to increase absorption is not recommended. The medication should be taken whole and not crushed or chewed.

Choice B rationale:

Storing zolpidem at room temperature is correct. Like many medications, zolpidem should be stored at a controlled room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Choice C rationale:

Administering zolpidem with a meal is not necessary and may delay the onset of its effects. It is typically taken on an empty stomach for faster absorption.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to face their fear gradually is an appropriate nursing intervention for a client with a phobia. This approach is consistent with exposure therapy, which is a widely recognized and effective treatment for phobias. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing the client to the feared object or situation in a controlled and supportive environment. By doing so, the client can learn to confront and manage their fear over time. This approach is evidence-based and helps the client build resilience and reduce anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

Administering benzodiazepines as needed for acute anxiety (Choice B) is not the first-line treatment for phobias. While benzodiazepines can provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms, they do not address the underlying phobia and can lead to dependence and tolerance with prolonged use. Moreover, they are generally reserved for acute anxiety episodes and not considered a primary treatment for phobias.

Choice C rationale:

Providing psychoeducation about the causes and effects of phobias (Choice C) is a valuable component of treatment, but it alone may not be sufficient. Psychoeducation can help clients understand the nature of their phobia and reduce stigma, but it should be combined with evidence-based therapies like exposure therapy for comprehensive care.

Choice D rationale:

Teaching the client relaxation techniques to manage anxiety (Choice D) can be a helpful adjunct to treatment, but it is not the primary intervention for phobias. Relaxation techniques can be part of a broader strategy to reduce anxiety, but the client also needs exposure therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy to address the phobia directly.