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."
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice a reason:
A cream to soothe itching may be used if the client is experiencing pruritus, which can sometimes accompany biliary issues due to bile salts in the skin. However, pruritus is not a direct symptom of biliary colic, which is characterized primarily by pain.
Choice b reason:
Pain medication is the appropriate treatment for biliary colic. Biliary colic is caused by the temporary blockage of the bile duct by a gallstone, leading to intense pain in the upper right abdomen or the center of the abdomen. Pain relief is typically achieved with anti-inflammatory drugs or antispasmodics, and in some cases, opioids may be necessary.
Choice c reason:
An antibiotic would be prescribed if there was an infection, such as cholecystitis or cholangitis. Biliary colic itself does not necessarily indicate an infection unless accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or elevated white blood cell count.
Choice d reason:
A laxative is not typically used to treat biliary colic. While laxatives can help relieve constipation, biliary colic is a result of gallstones obstructing the bile duct, not bowel movement issues.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason
Running the bag under warm water to melt the globules is not recommended. Applying heat could compromise the sterility and integrity of the solution. TPN solutions are carefully balanced and sterile, and any manipulation involving temperature changes could lead to contamination or nutrient degradation.
Choice B Reason
Observing fat globules at the top of the TPN solution is a sign that the emulsion may be compromised. The nurse should not administer this TPN solution and should call the pharmacy for a replacement. TPN solutions should be homogenous with no visible separation or fat globules to ensure the patient receives the correct nutrition and to prevent complications.
Choice C Reason
Doing nothing is not an appropriate action. Fat globules indicate that the solution has separated, which can lead to an unstable emulsion and potential harm if infused. The nurse's responsibility is to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment, which includes verifying that TPN solutions are properly mixed.
Choice D Reason
Rolling the bag gently to redistribute the fat is not a safe practice. While gentle agitation can be used for some medications, it is not appropriate for TPN solutions with visible fat globules. This could further destabilize the emulsion and does not address the underlying issue of separation.
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