A patient experiences an episode of severe anxiety. Of these medications in the patient's medical record. which is most appropriate to administer as an as-needed (PRN) anxiolytic medication?
Select one:
clonazepam (Klonopin)
amitriptyline (Elavil)
olanzapine (Zyprexa)
escitalopram (Lexapro)
The Correct Answer is A
Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that acts quickly to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. It is commonly used as a PRN medication for acute anxiety episodes.
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is a tricyclic antidepressant that is not typically used as an as-needed anxiolytic medication due to its slow onset of action and potential for side effects.
Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that can be used to treat anxiety in certain cases, but it is not typically used as a PRN medication for acute anxiety episodes.
Escitalopram (Lexapro) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that is not typically used as an as-needed anxiolytic medication due to its slow onset of action. It is usually taken on a daily basis to provide ongoing anxiety relief.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Cognitive therapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to psychological distress. In this case, the single parent is experiencing feelings of inadequacy related to work and family since one teenaged child ran away 2 weeks ago. The cognitive therapist would work with the client to identify any negative or distorted thoughts they may be having about themselves, their situation, and their ability to cope.
Through cognitive therapy, the therapist would help the client learn how to challenge and change their negative thoughts and beliefs, replacing them with more realistic and positive ones. The goal of cognitive therapy is to help the client develop new coping skills and ways of thinking that will enable them to better manage their emotions and improve their overall well-being.
Option b, negatively reinforcing an undesirable behavior every day to avoid it, is not a component of cognitive therapy. This approach is more aligned with behavioral therapy, which focuses on modifying behaviors through reinforcement and punishment.
Option c, focusing on conscious mental processes, is partially correct, as cognitive therapy does focus on conscious mental processes. However, this alone does not fully capture the essence of cognitive therapy.
Option d, always discussing Freud ego stages, is not relevant to cognitive therapy, as it is a psychoanalytic approach developed by Freud that focuses on the unconscious mind and early childhood experiences.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This response acknowledges the client's interest in complementary therapies and opens up a conversation about the different types available. It also allows the nurse to provide education and information about the potential benefits and risks of complementary therapies and how they may interact with the planned treatment.
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