A nursing student reports experiencing test-taking anxiety, including physical symptoms like a racing heart and trembling hands before exams. Which medication would the healthcare provider likely prescribe for episodic and acute symptom relief?

Propranolol

Lorazepam

Sertraline

Buspirone

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Propranolol: Propranolol is a beta-blocker that can be used to treat physical symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart. While it may help reduce physiological symptoms, it does not address the psychological components of anxiety and is not commonly prescribed for acute anxiety episodes like test-taking anxiety. Propranolol is more effective for individuals with performance anxiety (e.g., public speaking).

B. Lorazepam: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that works by depressing the central nervous system, providing rapid relief of acute anxiety symptoms. It is often used for short-term management of anxiety and can effectively reduce symptoms such as racing heart and trembling hands, making it appropriate for episodic anxiety like test-taking anxiety. However, it is typically prescribed for short-term use due to its potential for dependence.

C. Sertraline: Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for chronic anxiety and depression, but it is not effective for acute episodic anxiety. SSRIs are typically prescribed for long-term management of anxiety disorders, rather than immediate symptom relief.

D. Buspirone: Buspirone is an anxiolytic medication used for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but has a delayed onset of action and is not effective for acute, episodic anxiety relief. It is more suitable for long-term management rather than immediate symptom control.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Providing a structured activity schedule can be beneficial but comes after understanding the triggers of the behaviors.

B. Relaxation techniques are helpful but would be more effective after understanding the client's specific rituals and triggers.

C. The first step in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is understanding the triggers or precipitating factors for the client's ritualistic behaviors. This helps the nurse identify patterns and understand the client's anxiety, which is essential for planning further interventions.

D. Discussing alternative coping strategies is important but should follow an assessment of the factors that drive the compulsive behaviors.

A. Refer the client to a support group for individuals with PTSD B. Encourage the client to practice mindfulness meditation C. Provide a structured environment with predictable routines, and consistent staff D. Administer a PRN sedative medication as needed

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While support groups may be helpful, the immediate intervention for a client experiencing heightened anxiety and hypervigilance is to provide structure and safety.

B. Mindfulness meditation may be beneficial in the long term, but it is not the first intervention in an acute phase where anxiety and hypervigilance are prominent.

C. A structured environment with predictable routines and consistent staff can help clients with PTSD feel more secure and reduce feelings of anxiety, hypervigilance, and paranoia. Predictability and structure are key interventions for clients with PTSD.

D. Administering a PRN sedative medication should be a secondary intervention after providing a supportive and safe environment. Medications may be used as part of treatment, but they do not address the underlying anxiety and hypervigilance as effectively as a structured environment.

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A nursing student reports experiencing test-taking anxiety, including physical symptoms like a racing heart and trembling hands before exams. Which medication would the healthcare provider likely prescribe for episodic and acute symptom relief?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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