Author Question: An agitated, extremely anxious patient is brought to the emergency department. The prescriber orders ... (Read 88 times)

Bob-Dole · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

An agitated, extremely anxious patient is brought to the emergency department. The prescriber orders a benzodiazepine. The nurse understands that benzodiazepines are used in this clinical situation based on which principle?

a. Benzodiazepines have a very short half-life.
b. Physical dependence is not a risk when taking benzodiazepines.
c. Benzodiazepines are known to cure generalized anxiety.
d. Benzodiazepines have a rapid onset of action.

Question 2

A nurse is admitting a patient to a hospital unit and is taking a history. The patient reports taking alprazolam (Xanax) for nerves. The nurse knows that this patient is most likely being treated for which condition?

a. Generalized anxiety disorder
b. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
c. Panic disorder
d. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

sierramartinez · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The patient is clearly in a state of extreme, uncontrolled anxiety. Benzodiazepines are the drug of choice for acute episodes of anxiety because of their rapid onset of action. Benzodiazepines do not have a very short half-life. Benzodiazepines are associated with physical dependence. Benzodiazepines do not cure generalized anxiety, nor do any other drugs.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Benzodiazepines are first-choice drugs for anxiety, and alprazolam and lorazepam are prescribed most often. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line drugs for the treatment of OCD. Panic disorder is treated with any of the three classes of antidepressants: SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Research has not shown any drug to be effective in the treatment of PTSD, although two SSRIs have been approved for use for this disorder.