Introduction
Introduction ( 9 Questions)
A nurse is teaching a client who has insomnia about zolpidem, a Schedule IV medication. The nurse should include which of the following information in the teaching?
Zolpidem should be taken regularly as prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, not on an as-needed basis.
Zolpidem should be taken on an empty stomach to facilitate its onset of action, which is within 15 to 30 minutes.
Rationale: Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication that acts on the central nervous system to induce sleep. It has a low potential for abuse and dependence, but it can still cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures if discontinued abruptly. Therefore, the medication should be tapered off gradually under the supervision of a prescriber.
Although zolpidem has a low potential for abuse and dependence, it can still interact with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, which can increase the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. Therefore, the client should inform the prescriber of any history of substance abuse and use zolpidem with caution.
Correct answer: c) The medication should be tapered off gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Rationale: Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication that acts on the central nervous system to induce sleep. It has a low potential for abuse and dependence, but it can still cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizures if discontinued abruptly. Therefore, the medication should be tapered off gradually under the supervision of a prescriber.
Incorrect choices:
a) The medication should be taken only as needed for sleep.: Zolpidem should be taken regularly as prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, not on an as-needed basis.
b) The medication should be taken with food to enhance absorption.: Zolpidem should be taken on an empty stomach to facilitate its onset of action, which is within 15 to 30 minutes.
d) The medication should be avoided if the client has a history of substance abuse.: Although zolpidem has a low potential for abuse and dependence, it can still interact with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines, which can increase the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. Therefore, the client should inform the prescriber of any history of substance abuse and use Zolpidem with caution.