Nursing Elites

1. A client has been taking alprazolam (Xanax) for four years to manage anxiety. The client reports taking 0.5 mg four times a day. Which statement indicates that the client understands the nurse's teaching about discontinuing the medication?

• A. "I can drink alcohol now that I am decreasing my Xanax."?
• B. "I should not take another Xanax pill. Here is what is left of my last prescription."?
• C. "I should take three pills per day next week, then two pills for one week, then one pill for one week."?
• D. "I can expect to be sleepy for several days after stopping the medicine."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that the client should take three pills per day next week, then two pills for one week, and then one pill for one week. This statement indicates a gradual tapering schedule, which is crucial when discontinuing alprazolam (Xanax) to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because alcohol should be avoided while tapering off benzodiazepines due to the increased risk of respiratory depression. Choice B is incorrect because abruptly stopping alprazolam can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because while drowsiness can be a side effect of alprazolam, it is not the primary concern when discontinuing the medication; preventing withdrawal symptoms is the priority.

2. A client receiving preoperative instructions asks questions repeatedly about when to stop eating the night before the procedure. The nurse tries to refocus the client. The nurse notes that the client is frequently startled by noises in the hall. Assessment reveals rapid speech, trembling hands, tachypnea, tachycardia, and elevated blood pressure. The client admits to feeling nervous and having trouble sleeping. Based on the assessment, the nurse documents that the client has:

• A. mild anxiety.
• B. moderate anxiety.
• C. severe anxiety.
• D. a panic attack.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'severe anxiety.' In severe anxiety, a person focuses on small or scattered details and is unable to solve problems. The client's symptoms of rapid speech, trembling hands, tachypnea, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, feeling nervous, and having trouble sleeping indicate severe anxiety. Mild anxiety enhances the ability to learn and solve problems, while moderate anxiety narrows the perceptual field but allows the client to notice things brought to their attention. During a panic attack, a person is disorganized, hyperactive, or unable to speak or act, which is not the case in this scenario.

3. Implementing counseling by the nurse specialist for the raped victim represents:

• A. assessment.
• B. crisis intervention.
• C. empathetic concern.
• D. unwarranted intrusion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B, crisis intervention, is the correct answer. Counseling by a nurse specialist in a rape crisis situation is a form of crisis intervention, which is part of the Crisis Intervention Model. It aims to provide immediate support and help the victim cope with the traumatic event. Empathetic concern (Choice C) is important but refers more to the nurse's attitude rather than the specific action described. Assessment (Choice A) typically involves gathering information and may have already been done before counseling. Unwarranted intrusion (Choice D) is not applicable here as the counseling is provided to support the victim in a professional and caring manner.

4. A woman seeks assistance because she recently remembered childhood sexual abuse. The nurse should include which of the following goals for this client?

• A. prosecuting the perpetrator
• B. managing symptoms of anxiety and fear
• C. determining if the memories are real
• D. collaborating with the client's story

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'managing symptoms of anxiety and fear.' When a client remembers childhood sexual abuse, the nurse's primary goal should be to help the client cope with the emotional distress and symptoms such as anxiety and fear. Prosecuting the perpetrator is not within the nurse's scope of practice and is a legal matter. Determining if the memories are real is not the nurse's role; the focus should be on providing support and care. Collaborating with the client's story is vague and does not address the immediate emotional needs of the client.

5. When discussing the patterns of use of alcohol and other drugs, which piece of information should the nurse include?

• A. Lifetime prevalence and intensity of alcohol use are greater in men than in women.
• B. Caucasians report higher levels of alcohol use than African Americans or Hispanics.
• C. Overuse of alcohol and other drugs increases into the mid-20s, then levels off and decreases with age.
• D. Heavy use is more common in lower socioeconomic groups due to affordability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that overuse of alcohol and other drugs increases into the mid-20s, then levels off and decreases with age. Recent research indicates that alcohol and illicit drug use tends to rise into the mid-20s and then decline with age. Choices A and B are incorrect because lifetime prevalence and intensity of alcohol use are greater in men than in women, and Caucasians do not report higher levels of alcohol use compared to African Americans or Hispanics. Choice D is incorrect because heavy use is more common in lower socioeconomic groups due to factors like stress, coping mechanisms, and availability, not just affordability.

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