A nurse is preparing to administer buspirone (BuSpar) to a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. The client asks the nurse how this medication works. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?

Buspirone (BuSpar) is an anxiolytic medication that works by binding to serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety.

Choice B is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or diazepam, which enhance the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits anxiety and arousal.

Choice C is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine or sertraline, which block the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood and anxiety.

Choice D is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine, which inhibit the breakdown of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that affects alertness and energy.

The nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure, respiratory rate, liver function tests and mental status because chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is a benzodiazepine that can cause respiratory depression, hypotension, hepatic impairment and sedation.The nurse should also monitor for signs of withdrawal such as anxiety, tremors, seizures and delirium.

Choice D is wrong because blood glucose level is not affected by chlordiazepoxide or alcohol withdrawal.Blood glucose level is more relevant for clients who have diabetes or are taking medications that alter glucose metabolism.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for respiratory rate are 12 to 20 breaths per minute, for liver function tests are AST 10 to 40 U/L, ALT 7 to 56 U/L, ALP 45 to 115 U/L, bilirubin 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL and for mental status are alert and oriented to person, place, time and situation.