Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder. The client has a prescription for alprazolam 0.25 mg PO every 8 hours PRN anxiety. For which of the following client statements should the nurse consider administering alprazolam?
A. The client tells the nurse he is a government agent.
The client tells the nurse he is a government agent. Rationale: This statement indicates a possible delusion, which is a common symptom of schizophrenia. Alprazolam is not indicated for treating delusions. It is used to manage anxiety symptoms.
B. The client states, "I see purple bugs crawling on the wall.".
The client states, "I see purple bugs crawling on the wall." Rationale: This statement suggests the presence of hallucinations, another symptom often associated with schizophrenia. Alprazolam does not target hallucinations. It is primarily prescribed to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
C. The client states, "My heart is pounding out of my chest.".
The client states, "My heart is pounding out of my chest." Rationale: This statement reflects heightened anxiety and physiological arousal, which aligns with the intended use of alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that acts as an anxiolytic and can help alleviate symptoms of excessive anxiety, such as palpitations and restlessness.
D. The client tells the nurse that he is too tired to attend the group meeting.
The client tells the nurse that he is too tired to attend the group meeting. Rationale: Fatigue or tiredness is not a primary indication for alprazolam use. This statement does not relate directly to anxiety symptoms that would be alleviated by this medication.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Custom Psych Nursing Spring 2023 Proctored Exam 3. Take the full exam now
Similar Questions
A patient who is a recovering alcoholic has been diagnosed as having panic disorder. The psychiatrist is planning long-term treatment with a medication that is taken daily. Which medication should the nurse anticipate to plan for patient teaching?
A. Chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine. Rationale: Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to manage psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, not panic disorder. It has a different mechanism of action and is not suitable for long-term treatment of panic disorder.
B. Paroxetine.
Paroxetine. Rationale: Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for panic disorder and other anxiety disorders. SSRIs are considered first-line treatment options due to their effectiveness in managing anxiety symptoms and lower risk of dependence compared to benzodiazepines like alprazolam.
C. Propranolol.
Propranolol. Rationale: Propranolol is a beta-blocker often used to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as tremors and rapid heart rate. While it can be helpful in certain anxiety situations, it is not a primary medication for panic disorder. SSRIs like paroxetine are more suitable for long-term treatment of panic disorder.
D. Alprazolam.
Alprazolam. Rationale: Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used to treat acute symptoms of anxiety and panic. However, it is associated with a risk of dependence and is generally not recommended for long-term treatment. SSRIs like paroxetine are preferred due to their better safety profile and effectiveness in preventing panic attacks over the long term.
E. Alprazolam. A patient who is a recovering alcoholic has been diagnosed as having panic disorder. The psychiatrist is planning long-term treatment with a medication that is taken daily. Which medication should the nurse anticipate to plan for patient teaching?.
A nurse on an acute mental health unit is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority?
A. Administer prescribed antidepressants.
Administer prescribed antidepressants. Rationale: While administering prescribed antidepressants is an important nursing intervention for managing major depressive disorder, it is not the priority in this scenario. Safety concerns, such as monitoring for self-harm, take precedence over medication administration.
B. Assist with activities of daily living.
Assist with activities of daily living. Rationale: Assisting with activities of daily living is important for overall patient care, but in the context of a client with major depressive disorder, the priority is ensuring their safety and well-being. Monitoring for self-harm or suicidal ideation is of higher priority.
C. Encourage adequate fluid intake.
Encourage adequate fluid intake. Rationale: Encouraging adequate fluid intake is a general nursing intervention that can support the client's physical health. However, it does not directly address the specific needs of a client with major depressive disorder. Safety and psychological well-being are more pressing concerns.
D. Monitor for risk of self-harm.
Monitor for risk of self-harm. Rationale: This is the priority intervention in this scenario. Clients with major depressive disorder are at an increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Monitoring for signs of self-harm, assessing suicidal ideation, and ensuring a safe environment are critical aspects of care for these clients.
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder (MDD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Attention seeking behavior.
Attention seeking behavior is not typically associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). In MDD, individuals often experience a diminished interest or pleasure in most activities, including seeking attention. This is characterized by symptoms such as persistent low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, fatigue, and feelings of worthlessness.
B. Hyperexcitability.
Hyperexcitability is not a hallmark symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD). Rather, individuals with MDD usually experience psychomotor agitation or retardation, which is a slowing down or speeding up of physical and mental processes. This is opposite to hyperexcitability and is evident in symptoms like slowed speech and movement or restlessness.
C. Exaggerated response to stimuli.
Exaggerated response to stimuli is not a characteristic finding in major depressive disorder (MDD). In fact, individuals with MDD often experience anhedonia, which is the inability to experience pleasure from activities that were previously enjoyable. They tend to have a reduced capacity to respond to positive stimuli rather than an exaggerated response.
D. Significant change in weight.
This is the correct answer. Major depressive disorder can often lead to significant changes in weight. Some individuals may experience weight loss due to appetite changes, decreased interest in eating, or disruptions in their eating patterns. On the other hand, some individuals may experience weight gain, often due to emotional eating or seeking comfort through food.