Author Question: A nurse is preparing a patient to change from taking lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety to buspirone ... (Read 143 times)

Beheh · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A nurse is preparing a patient to change from taking lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety to buspirone (Buspar). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

a. I can drink alcohol when taking Buspar, but not grapefruit juice.
b. I may need to use a sedative medication if I experience insomnia.
c. I may not feel the effects of Buspar for a few weeks.
d. I should stop taking the Ativan when I start taking the Buspar.

Question 2

A patient with a new-onset seizure disorder receives a prescription for phenobarbital. The patient reports being concerned about the sedative side effects of this drug. Which response by the nurse is correct?

a. Phenobarbital doses for seizures are nonsedating.
b. This is a short-acting barbiturate, so sedation wears off quickly.
c. Tolerance to the sedative effects will develop in a few weeks.
d. You may actually experience paradoxical effects of euphoria.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Ativan should not be withdrawn quickly; it needs to be tapered to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, Buspar does not have immediate effects. Because no cross-dependence occurs with these two medications, they may be taken together while the benzodiazepine is tapered. Because Buspar does not have sedative effects, patients can consume alcohol without increasing sedation. Levels of Buspar can be increased by grapefruit juice, leading to drowsiness and a feeling of dysphoria. Buspar can cause nervousness and excitement and does not have sedative effects, so patients with insomnia must use a sedative. Buspar does not have immediate effects.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Phenobarbital and mephobarbital are used for seizure disorders and suppress seizures at doses that are nonsedative. Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate. At therapeutic doses, sedative effects do not occur. Paradoxical drug effects are associated with benzodiazepines and in older adults and debilitated patients with barbiturates.