A patient has begun taking buspirone hydrochloride (BuSpar) 7.5 ...

[Cooldude101]

A patient has begun taking buspirone hydrochloride (BuSpar) 7.5 mg twice daily to treat acute anxiety and calls 1 week later to report little change in symptoms. What will the nurse tell the patient?
 
  a. Therapeutic effects may not be evident for another week.
  b. The provider may need to increase the dose to 15 mg twice daily.
  c. Notify the provider and request an order for another anxiolytic.
  d. Stop taking the drug and notify the provider that it doesn't work.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a patient about taking an anxiolytic agent to treat grief-related anxiety. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?
 
  a. I may have wine with dinner to help with relaxation.
  b. I may need to take this medication for up to a year.
  c. I may stop taking the medication when my symptoms go away.
  d. I should try psychotherapy or a support group in addition to the medication.

[C.mcnichol98]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Buspirone hydrochloride may not be effective until 1 to 2 weeks after continuous use. It is not necessary to increase the dose at this time.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Psychotherapy or support groups should be part of therapy, with anxiolytics added as needed. Patients taking anxiolytic medications should not consume alcohol. Anxiolytic medications are generally given for a maximum of 3 to 4 months. Patients should not stop the medications abruptly.

[Cooldude101]

TYSM

[AmberC1996]

Excellent