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: Administering medications addresses symptoms pharmacologically but is not a core cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention. CBT focuses on modifying thoughts and behaviors, not drug therapy, making this choice incorrect for the specified theoretical approach.

Choice B reason: CBT targets negative thought patterns to modify maladaptive behaviors and emotions, central to treating anxiety. Challenging distorted cognitions helps the patient reframe perceptions, reducing withdrawal, aligning with CBT principles, making this the correct choice.

Choice C reason: Group therapy encourages social interaction but is not a primary CBT intervention. CBT focuses on individual cognitive restructuring, not group dynamics, making this choice less relevant for the specified theoretical approach to anxiety treatment.

Choice D reason: Relaxation techniques are adjunctive in CBT but not the primary focus. Challenging negative thoughts is the core intervention, directly addressing cognitive distortions driving anxiety, making relaxation a secondary approach and this choice incorrect.

A. I’d like to sit with you for a while to help you get comfortable talking to me B. I’ve also had traumatic life experiences; maybe it would help to share them C. Why do you think you had so much difficulty adjusting to this change in your life? D. Let’s discuss your treatment plan and how we can make it work for you

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Offering self involves making oneself available to the patient, fostering trust through presence and empathy. Sitting with the patient to facilitate comfort aligns with therapeutic communication, creating a safe space for dialogue, critical in psychiatric nursing, making this the correct choice.

Choice B reason: Sharing the nurse’s personal experiences shifts focus from the patient, risking boundary violations. This is non-therapeutic, as it does not prioritize the patient’s needs or foster their openness, failing to demonstrate the "offering self" technique, making this choice incorrect.

Choice C reason: Asking why the patient struggled with adjustment is a probing question that may feel confrontational. It does not convey availability or empathy, key to "offering self," but instead seeks explanation, potentially hindering trust, making this choice non-therapeutic and incorrect.

Choice D reason: Discussing the treatment plan focuses on clinical tasks, not emotional availability. While collaborative, it does not specifically demonstrate "offering self," which emphasizes presence and support to build trust, making this choice less aligned with the therapeutic technique described.

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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

When using cognitive behavioral theory with an anxious, withdrawn patient, interventions should focus on which of the following?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a newly hospitalized patient. Select the best example of the communication technique of "offering self."

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A fearful patient has an increased heart rate and blood pressure. The nurse suspects increased activity of which neurotransmitter?

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A patient was hospitalized for 24 hours after a reaction to a psychotropic medication. While planning discharge, the nurse learned the patient received a notice of eviction immediately prior to admission. Select the nurse’s most appropriate action.

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In which phase of group therapy should the nurse plan to first address termination?

Applying a bitter substance to the nails for people who tend to bite their nails is a form of which type of therapy?

A nurse knows operant conditioning is part of the treatment plan to encourage speech in a child who is nearly mute. Which technique should the nurse apply?

Which comment indicates the patient perceived the nurse was caring?