An 82-year-old patient is experiencing anxiety and has requested ...

[tnt_battle]

An 82-year-old patient is experiencing anxiety and has requested a prescription for Valium saying, I remember I took it years ago and it worked just fine. What instruction would the nurse provide to this patient about the risks of this medicat
 
  1. It can increase the risk of falls.
  2. It can increase the risk of strokes.
  3. It can increase the risk of seizures.
  4. It can increase the risk of constipation.

Question 2

A 78-year-old patient diagnosed with depression presents for a follow-up appointment. At the previous appointment six weeks ago, the patient was prescribed paroxetine (Paxil).
 
  Which symptom reported by the patient would indicate to the nurse that the patient is experiencing paroxetine toxicity?
  1. Constipation
  2. Neuropathy
  3. Sexual dysfunction
  4. Urinary tract infections (UTI)

[lcapri7]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), can increase the risk of falls. Anticholinergic drugs can cause constipation. Some antipsychotics can increase the risk of strokes. Some pain killers, such as Demerol, may increase the risk of seizures.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1
Explanation: Dry skin, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation may be related to the anticholinergic nature of psychotropic medications such as paroxetine (Paxil). Sexual dysfunction may be a side effect of psychotropic medications but does not indicate toxicity. UTIs and neuropathy are not known side effects of paroxetine (Paxil).