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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
St. John's Wort is a well-known herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including depression. It is believed to work by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which can help improve mood and alleviate depressive symptoms. Clinical studies have shown that St. John's Wort can be effective for mild to moderate depression.

Choice B Reason:
Black Cohosh is primarily used to relieve symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. While it may have some mood-stabilizing effects, there is insufficient evidence to support its use as a primary treatment for depression.

Choice C Reason:
Peppermint is commonly used for its soothing properties to aid digestion and reduce headaches. However, it is not typically used as a treatment for depression, and there is no substantial evidence to suggest it would be effective for this purpose.

Choice D Reason:
Echinacea is best known for its potential to boost the immune system and reduce symptoms of colds and other infections. It is not recognized as a treatment for depression, and there is no significant research to support its use in this context.

A. Respiratory rate of 24/min. B. Weak, nonproductive cough. C. Pulse oximetry (SpO2) of 90%. D. Shortness of breath with activity.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason:
A respiratory rate of 24/min is slightly elevated, which can be expected in a client with pneumonia due to the body's attempt to increase oxygen intake and carbon dioxide elimination. However, this rate does not directly indicate ineffective airway clearance.

Choice B reason:
A weak, nonproductive cough is a key indicator of ineffective airway clearance. In pneumonia, the presence of secretions in the airways is common, and an effective cough is necessary to clear these secretions. A weak cough that does not produce sputum suggests that the client is unable to clear their airways effectively, which can lead to impaired gas exchange and worsening of symptoms.

Choice C reason:
Pulse oximetry (SpO2) of 90% indicates that the client's oxygen saturation is below the normal range, which is typically between 95-100% for healthy individuals. While this finding is concerning and warrants intervention, it is a result of ineffective airway clearance rather than a direct indicator of it.

Choice D reason:
Shortness of breath with activity is common in clients with pneumonia and can result from various factors, including impaired gas exchange, decreased lung compliance, and increased work of breathing. While it may be associated with ineffective airway clearance, it is not as specific as a weak, nonproductive cough for indicating this particular problem.

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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

A client diagnosed with depression expresses a preference for alternative therapy over prescription medication. Which alternative therapy has been shown to be effective in treating this client's condition?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse formulates the problem of ineffective airway clearance for a client who has pneumonia. Which assessment data best supports this problem?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client is receiving gentamicin and vancomycin IV for urosepsis. Which diagnostic study result should the nurse report to the primary care practitioner?

Assessment data for a 9-year-old reveals that she blurts out answers to questions before the question is completed, is unable to wait her turn, and persistently interrupts and intrudes in the conversations of others. The nurse would assess these behaviors as relating primarily to:

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A client diagnosed with schizophrenia functions well during hospitalization but decompensates after discharge. What does the therapeutic milieu provide that may be missing in the home environment?

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

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