A 32-year-old Caucasian female college graduate who weighs 150 ...

[anjilletteb]

A 32-year-old Caucasian female college graduate who weighs 150 pounds is heavily sedated by the amount of lorazepam (Ativan) prescribed for anxiety reduction.
 
  A Hispanic male heavy laborer who is the same age and weight as the female patient has taken the same dose of Ativan and states that his anxiety is barely under control. What factor most likely accounts for this difference? a. The male is Hispanic, whereas the female is Caucasian.
  b. Social stratification and poverty make treatment more difficult.
  c. Men more often underrate the efficacy of antianxiety medication.
  d. The female gastrointestinal system more readily absorbs benzodiazepines.

Question 2

A client with admitted with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder continues to exhibit acute mania. During a unit meeting she begins cursing and throwing books around the dayroom.
 
  The MOST appropriate intervention by the nurse would be which of the following? a. Set limits on the client's behavior.
  b. Allow the client to vent her feelings.
  c. Ignore the behavior and continue with the meeting.
  d. Call hospital security to help place the client in restraints.

[marict]

Answer to Question 1

D
The difference is gender-based. The lesser amount of stomach acid secreted by women means that benzodiazepines are better absorbed.

Answer to Question 2

A
The most appropriate action by the nurse would be to set limits on the client's behavior. Limit setting is a priority strategy used in the effective management of the milieu. Because the client is in a manic stage, she is displaying poor judgment. The nurse would set limits to protect the client as well as others in the group.