Author Question: A client being treated for somatoform disorder with psychotherapy and benzodiazepine medica-tion ... (Read 13 times)

gonzo233 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client being treated for somatoform disorder with psychotherapy and benzodiazepine medica-tion approaches the nurse and says he feels dizzy and weak. The nurse's initial intervention should be to:

1. Tell the client to sit and breathe deeply
2. Administer prn alprazolam (Xanax)
3. Measure the client's vital signs
4. Instruct the client in use of imagery

Question 2

As the nurse administers benzodiazepines to her clients with anxiety, she knows to teach them that:

1. Kava kava and St. John's wort may potentiate action
2. There are no foods to avoid when taking benzodiazepines
3. These medications have no risk for any dependency
4. It is fine to have alcoholic drinks frequently with these meds

lgoldst9 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 3
Because the client's symptoms could be related to benzodiazepine therapy, the nurse should measure pulse and blood pressure to assess for orthostatic hypotension. Options 1 and 4: These might be possible strategies when symptoms have been determined to be of psychogenic origin. Option 2: The client's symptoms may be due to benzodiazepine side effects, so giving more is inadvisable until assessment is complete.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 1
Option 1 is true. Grapefruit can increase the risk for toxicity, so option 2 is incorrect. Benzodiaz-epines may cause dependency, so option 3 is wrong. Alcoholic drinks can potentiate the action, so option 4 is incorrect.