Two months after beginning drug therapy with alprazolam, a client states, "I feel much better, but I can't believe how dizzy and light-headed I get, and sometimes my mouth feels dry." Which would be the priority response by the nurse?

"You will need to take this medication with food from now on."

"You should avoid dangerous activities because of the side effects you are experiencing."

"The medication is usually prescribed for a short time, and the side effects may go away."

"You can use sugarless gum or candy to relieve some of those symptoms."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A Reason
Taking alprazolam with food may help with some gastrointestinal side effects but does not address the client's concerns about dizziness and light-headedness. While it is a practical suggestion, it is not the priority response when the client is experiencing symptoms that could affect their safety¹.

Choice B Reason
The priority for the nurse is to ensure the client's safety. Dizziness and light-headedness can increase the risk of falls or accidents, especially when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. Therefore, advising the client to avoid dangerous activities is the most immediate and appropriate response¹.

Choice C Reason
While it is true that alprazolam is often prescribed for short-term use and some side effects may diminish over time, this does not provide the client with a solution to their current symptoms. The nurse should address the client's immediate concerns and ensure their safety before discussing the duration of medication use¹.

Choice D Reason
Using sugarless gum or candy can help with dry mouth, which is a common side effect of alprazolam. However, this advice does not address the more serious side effects of dizziness and light-headedness that the client is experiencing. Therefore, it is not the priority response but can be included as additional advice¹.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
The statement "Forget him. There are other fish in the sea." minimizes the client's feelings and does not acknowledge the emotional pain they are experiencing. It is a cliché that can come across as dismissive rather than empathetic.

Choice B Reason:
"You must have been very upset to do what you did." This statement acknowledges the client's distress and does not judge their actions. It reflects an understanding of the depth of their emotional pain, which is a key component of empathy.

Choice C Reason:
"Don't worry, you'll get over him in time." While this statement may be intended to provide reassurance, it does not address the immediate emotional state of the client. It could be perceived as brushing aside their current feelings.

Choice D Reason:
"Why do you think your boyfriend broke up with you?" This question could be seen as probing for information rather than offering support. It might imply that the client is at fault for the breakup, which is not an empathetic approach.

A. "I cannot stop taking my medication abruptly." B. "This medication is safe with herbal supplements." C. "I have to avoid aged cheese." D. "I can take extra doses as needed for anxiety."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Duloxetine is a medication that should not be stopped abruptly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering is recommended to minimize these symptoms. This understanding by the client indicates effective medication teaching.

Choice B reason:
The statement about the medication being safe with herbal supplements is incorrect. Patients should consult their healthcare provider before using herbal supplements with duloxetine, as there can be interactions.

Choice C reason:
The need to avoid aged cheese is associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not duloxetine, which is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This statement does not reflect accurate medication teaching for duloxetine.

Choice D reason:
Taking extra doses for anxiety without consulting a healthcare provider is not recommended. Duloxetine dosing should be consistent and as prescribed by a healthcare provider. This statement suggests a misunderstanding of medication management.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Two months after beginning drug therapy with alprazolam, a client states, "I feel much better, but I can't believe how dizzy and light-headed I get, and sometimes my mouth feels dry." Which would be the priority response by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which statement shows that the nurse has empathy for a client who has recently made a suicide attempt after breaking up with a significant other?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client diagnosed with depression is prescribed duloxetine. Which statement made by the client would allow the nurse to assess that the medication teaching has been effective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

After examining and treating a client who has been raped, discharge instructions from the emergency department (ED) would include which of the following?

A nurse is caring for a client who has arrived in the postoperative unit following a laminectomy and spinal fusion. Which action should the nurse take?

How would the nurse best evaluate the effectiveness of drug therapy for a client diagnosed with pneumonia being treated with amoxicillin?

When teaching a client about cystitis, the nurse explains that women are more prone to the infection than men. Which of the following best explains a woman's increased susceptibility?

Two months after beginning drug therapy with alprazolam, a client states, "I feel much better, but I can't believe how dizzy and light-headed I get, and sometimes my mouth feels dry." Which would be the priority response by the nurse?

A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking prednisone following an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. Which finding should the nurse recognize as the priority? The client reports:

A client is diagnosed with a large bowel obstruction. Which assessment findings by the nurse would be expected?

Which medication should the nurse question for a client admitted with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?