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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.
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The doctor orders 2% nitroglycerin ointment in a 1-inch dose every 12 hours. Proper application of nitroglycerin ointment includes:
- A. Rotating application sites
- B. Limiting applications to the chest
- C. Rubbing it into the skin
- D. Covering it with a thin paper dressing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Proper application of nitroglycerin ointment involves rotating application sites to prevent skin irritation. It should be applied to the back and upper arms, not restricted to the chest, making option B incorrect. Rubbing it into the skin, as indicated in option C, is not recommended for nitroglycerin ointment as it can lead to faster absorption and potential side effects. The correct way is to cover it with a thin paper dressing, not gauze as mentioned in option D, to ensure proper absorption and prevent the medication from evaporating too quickly.
The nurse is caring for a client with laryngeal cancer. Which finding ascertained in the health history would not be common for this diagnosis?
- A. Foul breath
- B. Dysphagia
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Chronic hiccups
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diarrhea is not a common finding in clients with laryngeal cancer. Foul breath (A), dysphagia (B), and chronic hiccups (D) are expected findings associated with laryngeal cancer. Foul breath can result from tissue breakdown in the mouth and throat. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can occur due to the tumor's location affecting the swallowing mechanism. Chronic hiccups can be a symptom of irritation to the phrenic nerves from the cancer.
The nurse wishes to decrease a client's use of denial and increase the client's expression of feelings. To do this, the nurse should:
- A. tell the client to stop using the defense mechanism of denial.
- B. positively reinforce each expression of feelings.
- C. instruct the client to express feelings.
- D. challenge the client each time denial is used.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the scenario provided, the nurse aims to reduce the client's use of denial and encourage the expression of feelings. Positive reinforcement for each expression of feelings is an effective approach to achieve this goal. By positively reinforcing the client's expression of feelings, the nurse encourages the desired behavior, making it more likely for the client to continue sharing their emotions. This approach creates a supportive and accepting environment for the client. In contrast, telling the client to stop using denial (Choice A) may create resistance and inhibit communication by putting pressure on the client. Instructing the client to express feelings (Choice C) is less effective as it lacks the element of reinforcement that is essential for behavior modification. Challenging the client each time denial is used (Choice D) may lead to defensiveness and hinder the therapeutic relationship, making it a less favorable option.
When assessing a client's self-expectations about weight loss, which question is most appropriate?
- A. "What makes you think you can change your eating habits?"?
- B. "How do you feel about losing weight?"?
- C. "How important is it that you lose weight?"?
- D. "What do you think is a realistic weekly weight loss for you?"?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When assessing a client's self-expectations about weight loss, it is crucial to inquire about what the client considers a realistic weekly weight loss goal. This question helps in understanding the client's perception and expectations regarding the weight loss journey, enabling the establishment of achievable goals. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the aspect of setting realistic goals for weight loss. While questioning about changing eating habits, feelings about losing weight, or the importance of weight loss are relevant, they do not specifically focus on setting achievable goals, which is essential for effective weight management.
What type of relief behavior is Ashley using to cope with emotional conflict?
- A. acting out
- B. somatizing
- C. withdrawal
- D. problem-solving
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ashley is somatizing by experiencing emotional conflict as physical symptoms associated with severe anxiety. Somatizing involves converting emotions into physical symptoms. Acting out involves behaviors like anger, crying, and verbal abuse, not physical symptoms. Withdrawal is when one withdraws psychic energy in response to anxiety, not converting emotions into physical symptoms. Problem-solving occurs when anxiety is identified and the underlying need is addressed, not converting emotions into physical symptoms.