A patient taking temazepam informs you, the nurse, of plans to quit taking the medication due to feelings of being “hungover” the next day.
What action should you implement?
Instruct the patient that it is important to reduce the dose of the medication gradually.
Advise the patient to stop taking the medication immediately.
Encourage the patient to obtain a prescription for a benzodiazepine antagonist.
Discuss with the patient that there may be a need for additional sleep if the feeling of fatigue is present the next day.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Instructing the patient that it is important to reduce the dose of the medication gradually is the best course of action. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine, and abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and include seizures. Therefore, it’s crucial to taper off the medication under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
Advising the patient to stop taking the medication immediately is not recommended due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the patient to obtain a prescription for a benzodiazepine antagonist is not typically the first line of action when discontinuing temazepam.
Choice D rationale
Discussing with the patient that there may be a need for additional sleep if the feeling of fatigue is present the next day is not directly addressing the issue. The patient’s feelings of being “hungover” are likely due to the effects of the medication, not a lack of sleep.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While advising family members to monitor for symptoms of illness is important, it’s not the most crucial action for the nurse to take immediately after testing the patient for COVID-194.
Choice B rationale
Implementing droplet precautions, placing the patient in a private room, and keeping the door closed is the most crucial action. This helps prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 to other patients and healthcare workers.
Choice C rationale
Informing the patient to notify others about potential exposure is important, but it’s not the most crucial action immediately after testing.
Choice D rationale
Initiating an IV infusion for the administration of an antiviral drug is not the most crucial action. Antiviral medication is typically administered after a positive test result, not before.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking the patient how often episodes of sundowning are experienced is more relevant in assessing cognitive function, particularly in patients with dementia. It is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite.
Choice B rationale
Inquiring about the frequency of falls in recent months is crucial in a functional assessment of an older patient who has lost weight and reports a decrease in energy and appetite. Weight loss and decreased energy can increase the risk of falls, which can lead to serious injuries and further functional decline.
Choice C rationale
Requesting the patient to lie as still as possible for the assessment is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite. It might be necessary for certain physical examinations or procedures, but it is not the most relevant action in this context.
Choice D rationale
Assisting the patient with clarifying values about end-of-life care options is an important aspect of geriatric care, especially in patients with serious illnesses. However, it is not directly related to the patient’s weight loss or decreased energy and appetite.
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