The client presents to the emergency department with a headache in the back of the head, diaphoresis, and neck stiffness. The client's blood pressure measures 180/124 mm Hg and heart rate is 168 beats/min. The spouse says the client is currently prescribed "something for depression" and denies any history of cardiac disease. The nurse should suspect the use of what medication?

A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)

A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)

An atypical antipsychotic

None

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   MAOIs are a class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. MAOIs can interact with certain foods and other medications, potentially leading to a hypertensive crisis characterized by severe hypertension, headache, diaphoresis, and other symptoms.
B.   SSRIs are commonly prescribed antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin syndrome can present with symptoms such as headache, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hyperthermia, but it typically doesn't cause severe hypertension.
C.   TCAs are another class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. TCAs can cause anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. However, TCAs are less commonly associated with severe hypertension compared to MAOIs.
D.   Atypical antipsychotics are used to treat various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While they are not typically associated with causing severe hypertension directly, they can have cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome refers to the collection of symptoms that occur when individuals who are dependent on alcohol abruptly reduce or stop their alcohol intake.

Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam or lorazepam, are commonly used to manage symptoms such as anxiety, tremors, and seizures.

Providing a safe environment also ensures that the client does not involve in self-harming activities due to hallucinations.

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is associated with an increased risk of seizures, particularly within the first 48 hours after cessation of alcohol consumption. Seizures can range from mild to severe and may be life-threatening if not promptly managed.

Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to increased urinary output, decreased fluid intake, and poor nutrition. Additionally, alcohol withdrawal itself can exacerbate fluid and electrolyte disturbances due to vomiting, diarrhea, diaphoresis, and increased metabolic demand.

A. The client tells the nurse he is a government agent. B. The client tells the nurse that he is too tired to attend the group meeting. C. The client states. "I see purple bugs crawling on the wall." D. The client states, "My heart is pounding out of my chest."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. This statement indicates symptoms of anxiety, which alprazolam is commonly prescribed to alleviate. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication with anxiolytic properties, meaning it helps reduce feelings of anxiety and promote relaxation.

A. This statement suggests the presence of delusional thinking, which is a common symptom of schizophrenia. Alprazolam is not typically indicated for the treatment of delusions associated with schizophrenia.

B. While fatigue may be distressing for the client, it is not an indication for the use of alprazolam. Alprazolam is specifically prescribed for the management of anxiety symptoms.

C. This statement suggests the presence of hallucinations, which are another common symptom of schizophrenia. Alprazolam is not indicated for the treatment of hallucinations associated with schizophrenia.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is []

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder. The client has a prescription for alprazolam 0.25 mg PO every 8 hr PRN anxiety. For which of the following client statements should the nurse consider administering alprazolam?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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?

An anxiolytic agent has been prescribed for the client. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate to the nurse that client education about this medication has been effective?

A nurse is admitting a client who has experienced a weight loss of 11 kg (25 lb) in the past 3 months. The client weighs 40 kg (88 lb) and believes she is fat. Which of the following aspects of care should the nurse consider the first priority for this client?

A client is admitted for a drug overdose with a barbiturate. Which is the priority nursing action when planning care for this client?

A nurse is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following characteristics are expected findings of OCD? (Select all that apply.)

A client with borderline personality disorder says to the nurse, "I feel so comfortable talking with you. You seem to have a special way about you that really helps me." Which would be the most appropriate response by the nurse?

A client experiences panic attacks when confronted with riding in elevators. The therapist is teaching the client ways to relax while incrementally exposing the client to getting on an elevator. This technique is called which of the following?

A nurse in a clinic is caring for a client who is 3 weeks postpartum following the birth of a healthy newborn. The client reports feeling "down" and sad, having no energy, and wanting to cry. Which of the following is a priority action by the nurse?