A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for alprazolam to treat insomnia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
"Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving."
"Monitor for peripheral edema."
"Take this medication with a high-fat meal."
"Take this medication every night before sleep."
The Correct Answer is A
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Here's the rationale for each option:
A. "Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving.": Alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function, so it's essential for clients to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while taking this medication. Providing this instruction promotes safety and prevents accidents.
B. "Monitor for peripheral edema.": Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of alprazolam. This instruction is not relevant to the use of this medication.
C. "Take this medication with a high-fat meal.": Alprazolam can be taken with or without food, but taking it with a high-fat meal may delay its absorption. Therefore, it is not necessary to instruct the client to take it with a high-fat meal, especially since this may affect the medication's effectiveness.
D. "Take this medication every night before sleep.": While alprazolam may be used to treat insomnia, it is not typically recommended for nightly use due to the risk of dependence and tolerance. Using it nightly can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Therefore, this instruction is not appropriate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Clamping the catheter: Clamping the catheter may interrupt the flow of fluids or medications, which could worsen the client's condition. This action is not appropriate as the first intervention.
B. Initiate oxygen therapy: Acute shortness of breath is a critical symptom that requires immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation. Initiating oxygen therapy is the priority action to improve the client's oxygenation status while further assessment and interventions are conducted.
C. Auscultate breath sounds: Assessing breath sounds is an essential component of the assessment for a client experiencing shortness of breath. However, in this scenario, the priority is to ensure the client's oxygenation needs are met by initiating oxygen therapy first.
D. Position the client in left lateral Trendelenburg: Positioning the client in left lateral Trendelenburg may help optimize oxygenation by improving blood flow and ventilation-perfusion matching. However, this action is not the priority compared to initiating oxygen therapy, which directly addresses the client's respiratory distress.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hearing loss: Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine medication, is not typically associated with hearing loss. Adverse effects related to hearing are not commonly reported with the use of alprazolam.
B. Insomnia: Insomnia, or difficulty falling or staying asleep, is a potential adverse effect of alprazolam. While benzodiazepines like alprazolam are central nervous system depressants and can cause drowsiness, paradoxical reactions such as insomnia may occur in some individuals.
C. Bradycardia: Alprazolam is not known to cause bradycardia. Instead, it may cause mild tachycardia or irregular heart rhythms as potential cardiovascular side effects.
D. Hypertension: Alprazolam is more likely to cause hypotension (low blood pressure) rather than hypertension. Hypotension is a potential adverse effect due to its central nervous system depressant effects, which can lead to relaxation of blood vessels and decreased blood pressure.
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