A client asks the nurse about using valerian to help him sleep. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?
- A. The herb is generally considered safe.
- B. You need to take it about 4 hours before bedtime.
- C. It might take 2 to 4 weeks before you notice the full benefit.
- D. You can combine it with other calming herbs.
- E. If you stop using it, you won't have any withdrawal symptoms.
Correct Answer: A,C,D
Rationale: Valerian is classified as 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) for use in the United States. When used as an aid to sleep, valerian is taken approximately 1 hour before bedtime. It can be used in combination with other calming herbs, such as lemon balm or chamomile. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before the full therapeutic effect (i.e., improvement of mood and sleep patterns) occurs. Individuals have been known to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking valerian abruptly.
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A 14-year-old client with insomnia is prescribed estazolam. After administering the drug, the nurse would assess the client for which of the following as an adverse reaction?
- A. Muscle pain
- B. Chest pain
- C. Heartburn
- D. Taste change
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: One of the adverse reactions of estazolam is heartburn. Muscle pain is an adverse reaction of zolpidem tartrate. Chest pain and taste change are caused by eszopiclone.
A group of nursing students are reviewing information about sedatives and hypnotics. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which of the following as an example of a barbiturate-type hypnotic and sedative drug?
- A. Pentobarbital
- B. Eszopiclone
- C. Zolpidem
- D. Triazolam
- E. Secobarbital
Correct Answer: A,E
Rationale: Pentobarbital and secobarbital are examples of barbiturate-type hypnotic and sedative drugs. Eszopiclone and zolpidem are nonbenzodiazepine sedative and hypnotic drugs. Triazolam is a benzodiazepine sedative and hypnotic drug.
The nurse would assess an older adult client who is receiving sedatives or hypnotics for an increased risk for which of the following?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Paradoxical reactions
- C. Dizziness
- D. Confusion
- E. Ataxia
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: The older adult client is at greater risk for oversedation, dizziness, confusion, ataxia, and paradoxical reactions to sedative and hypnotic drugs.
A nurse would cautiously administer sedatives and hypnotics to clients with which of the following?
- A. Hepatic impairment
- B. Hypertension
- C. Renal impairment
- D. Mental health problems
- E. Habitual alcohol use
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: A nurse should use caution when administering sedatives and hypnotics to clients with hepatic or renal impairment, habitual alcohol use, and mental health problems and in clients who are lactating.
A client is prescribed flurazepam. When explaining the drug to the client, the nurse would include which of the following as its effect?
- A. Decreased stress
- B. Easing of pain
- C. Induction of sleep
- D. Improvement in circulation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Flurazepam induces sleep. Adrenergic drugs help to relieve stress. Analgesics are used to ease pain. Circulation can be improved by exercising.
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