Mental Health Pharmacology > Pharmacology
Exam Review
Anxiolytics
Total Questions : 5
Showing 5 questions, Sign in for moreA nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed alprazolam (Xanax) for anxiety. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
Explanation
“I should take this medication only when I feel anxious.” This statement indicates a need for further teaching because alprazolam should be taken on a regular schedule as prescribed by the provider, not on an as-needed basis.Taking alprazolam only when feeling anxious can increase the risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
Choice A is wrong because it is a correct statement.Alcohol should be avoided while taking alprazolam because it can increase the sedative effects and the risk of respiratory depression.
Choice C is wrong because it is a correct statement.Alprazolam should not be stopped abruptly because it can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and seizures.
Choice D is wrong because it is a correct statement.Confusion and memory loss are possible adverse effects of alprazolam and should be reported to the provider.
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety disorders.It works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and produces a calming effect.The normal dosage range for alprazolam is 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily, with a maximum dose of 4 mg per day.Alprazolam has a high potential for abuse and dependence, so it should be used with caution and for short periods of time.
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing alcohol withdrawal and is receiving chlordiazepoxide (Librium) as an anxiolytic. Which of the following assessments should the nurse monitor? (Select all that apply.).
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the client’s blood pressure, respiratory rate, liver function tests and mental status because chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is a benzodiazepine that can cause respiratory depression, hypotension, hepatic impairment and sedation.The nurse should also monitor for signs of withdrawal such as anxiety, tremors, seizures and delirium.
Choice D is wrong because blood glucose level is not affected by chlordiazepoxide or alcohol withdrawal.Blood glucose level is more relevant for clients who have diabetes or are taking medications that alter glucose metabolism.
Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for respiratory rate are 12 to 20 breaths per minute, for liver function tests are AST 10 to 40 U/L, ALT 7 to 56 U/L, ALP 45 to 115 U/L, bilirubin 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL and for mental status are alert and oriented to person, place, time and situation.
A nurse is preparing to administer buspirone (BuSpar) to a client who has generalized anxiety disorder. The client asks the nurse how this medication works. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?
Explanation
Buspirone (BuSpar) is an anxiolytic medication that works by binding to serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps regulate mood and reduce anxiety.
Choice B is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or diazepam, which enhance the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits anxiety and arousal.
Choice C is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine or sertraline, which block the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood and anxiety.
Choice D is wrong because it describes the mechanism of action of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine, which inhibit the breakdown of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that affects alertness and energy.
A nurse is reviewing the medication history of a client who is prescribed zolpidem (Ambien) for insomnia. The nurse should identify that which of the following medications can interact with zolpidem and increase its sedative effects?
Explanation
Ketoconazole (Nizoral) can interact with zolpidem (Ambien) and increase its sedative effects.Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that inhibits the metabolism of zolpidem, leading to higher plasma levels and increased risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
Choice A is wrong because omeprazole (Prilosec) is a proton pump inhibitor that does not affect the metabolism or clearance of zolpidem.
Choice B is wrong because warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant that does not interact with zolpidem.However, warfarin levels may be affected by other medications or dietary factors that influence clotting.
Choice D is wrong because metformin (Glucophage) is an antidiabetic medication that does not interact with zolpidem.Metformin may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, but these are not related to zolpidem use.
A nurse is administering midazolam (Versed) to a client who is undergoing a colonoscopy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent respiratory depression?
Explanation
Monitor oxygen saturation and end-tidal CO2 levels.This is because midazolam (Versed) is a benzodiazepine that can cause respiratory depression and sedation, especially when given intravenously. The nurse should monitor the client’s oxygenation and ventilation status during and after the procedure to prevent hypoxia and hypercapnia.
Choice A is wrong because naloxone (Narcan) is an opioid antagonist that reverses the effects of opioids, not benzodiazepines.Naloxone would not prevent respiratory depression caused by midazolam.
Choice C is wrong because giving midazolam with food or milk would not prevent respiratory depression.Food or milk may delay the absorption of oral midazolam, but it would not affect the intravenous administration.
Choice D is wrong because reducing the dose of midazolam by half may not be sufficient to prevent respiratory depression.The dose of midazolam should be individualized based on the client’s age, weight, health status, and response to the drug. Reducing the dose by half may also compromise the quality of sedation and analgesia during the colonoscopy.
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