What is an important nursing consideration for patients taking a nonbenzodiazepine such as zolpidem?

May lead to falls in the elderly

Daytime drowsiness requires additional precautions

Will eventually develop dependence on this drug

Must be taken for at least 4 weeks before inducing sedation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Zolpidem, a nonbenzodiazepine sedative, affects the central nervous system, causing sedation and impaired coordination, particularly in the elderly. Age-related declines in metabolism and balance increase fall risk, a critical nursing consideration. Monitoring mobility and ensuring safety measures are essential to prevent injuries, making this the correct choice.

Choice B reason: While zolpidem may cause daytime drowsiness, this is not the primary nursing consideration compared to fall risk in the elderly. Drowsiness is a general side effect, but the elderly’s heightened vulnerability to falls due to sedation and impaired coordination takes precedence, making this choice less critical.

Choice C reason: Zolpidem has a lower dependence risk than benzodiazepines, and dependence is not inevitable. This assumption overstates the risk and is not the primary nursing consideration. Fall prevention, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly, is more urgent due to immediate safety concerns, making this choice incorrect.

Choice D reason: Zolpidem induces sedation rapidly, typically within 15–30 minutes, not requiring 4 weeks. This choice is factually incorrect, as prolonged use is not necessary for efficacy. The primary concern is immediate side effects like falls, not a delayed onset, making this an invalid nursing consideration.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is reserved for severe, treatment-resistant depression or acute suicidal ideation, not general hopelessness. It involves significant risks and requires specialist oversight, making it inappropriate as a first-line intervention for this symptom, which can be addressed with less invasive methods.

Choice B reason: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) targets negative thought patterns, such as hopelessness, by restructuring cognitions, a core feature of depression. Evidence-based for mood disorders, CBT reduces symptoms through structured interventions, making it the most appropriate choice for addressing hopelessness in a mental health assessment.

Choice C reason: High-dose benzodiazepines treat acute anxiety or agitation, not hopelessness, which is a depressive symptom. They risk sedation and dependence without addressing cognitive distortions, making them inappropriate for this symptom and contrary to evidence-based psychiatric nursing practice.

Choice D reason: Avoiding social interactions may worsen hopelessness by increasing isolation, a risk factor for depression. Evidence-based practice encourages social engagement to improve mood and support networks, making this intervention counterproductive and incorrect for addressing the patient’s reported symptom.

A. Improved memory B. Fewer visual hallucinations C. Reduced anxiety D. Increased alertness

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, reduces neuronal activity, not enhances cognitive functions like memory. Memory improvement is associated with cholinergic or glutamatergic systems, not GABA, making this choice incorrect for the expected effect of GABA potentiation.

Choice B reason: Fewer visual hallucinations are associated with antipsychotics affecting dopamine, not GABA. GABA’s inhibitory effects calm the brain but do not directly target psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, making this choice incorrect for the medication’s effect.

Choice C reason: GABA potentiation, as with benzodiazepines, enhances inhibitory effects, reducing neuronal excitability and calming the central nervous system. This directly alleviates anxiety, a primary therapeutic effect, aligning with GABA’s role in anxiety disorders, making this the correct choice.

Choice D reason: Increased alertness is contrary to GABA’s inhibitory effects, which promote sedation. Stimulants, not GABAergic drugs, enhance alertness, making this choice incorrect, as GABA potentiation leads to calming, not stimulating, effects on the brain.

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What is an important nursing consideration for patients taking a nonbenzodiazepine such as zolpidem?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is conducting a mental health assessment for a patient reporting persistent feelings of hopelessness. Which intervention best aligns with evidence-based practice for addressing this symptom?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse administers a medication that potentiates the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Which effect would be expected?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which comments by a nurse demonstrate the use of therapeutic communication techniques? (Select all that apply)

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A patient tells the nurse, "I don’t think I’ll ever get out of here." Select the nurse’s most therapeutic response.

A patient has acute anxiety related to a car accident. The nurse knows the patient will need teaching about which medication category?

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Which patient meets criteria for involuntary hospitalization for psychiatric treatment?