Author Question: A client who is a recovering alcoholic has been diagnosed as having panic attacks. The psychiatrist ... (Read 141 times)

JMatthes · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client who is a recovering alcoholic has been diagnosed as having panic attacks. The psychiatrist
mentions plans to treat the client with daily doses of medication.

Of the medications listed below, for
which drug should the nurse plan client teaching?
a. Paroxetine (Paxil)
b. Alprazolam (Xanax)
c. Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
d. Propranolol (Inderal)

Question 2

The nurse caring for a client who has been diagnosed as having generalized anxiety disorder tells a
preceptor I find myself feeling uncomfortable and anxious around the client.

When he starts
trembling and perspiring and pacing, I find myself with cold, clammy hands and my pulse races. I
start worrying whether I will be able to help him stay in control.. In such an interaction the client
will most likely experience
a. fatigue.
b. claustrophobia.
c. increased anxiety.
d. improved self-esteem.

aliotak · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first-line drugs for the treatment of panic disorder. Both
paroxetine and sertraline are approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of panic
disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are nonaddicting and have a relatively low
incidence of unpleasant side effects. Also useful are tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine,
which are more useful than the benzodiazepines because they are nonaddicting. Option B:
Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and would not be the drug of choice for a client who has a problem
of chemical dependency. Option C: Chlorpromazine is a neuroleptic and not useful for treating panic
disorder. Propranolol is more often used in the treatment of social phobias.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Anxiety is transmissible interpersonally. The client who tunes in to the nurse's anxiety usually
experiences heightening of his or her own anxiety. Option A: The client's immediate reaction would
be heightened anxiety rather than fatigue. Option B: Claustrophobia is rarely the outcome of
empathized anxiety. Option D: Improved self-esteem would not result from empathic anxiety.