Which patient is most likely to respond quickly to antianxiety ...

[audragclark]

Which patient is most likely to respond quickly to antianxiety therapy with benzodiazepines?
 
  a. Patient with a history of long-term anxiety
  b. Patient with recent anxiety reactions
  c. Patient with severe depression in addition to being anxious
  d. Patient with incidents of auditory hallucinations

Question 2

What instruction is most important for the nurse to teach the patient who has recently been prescribed alprazolam (Xanax)?
 
  a. The medication needs to be taken on an empty stomach.
  b. You may feel dizzy or unsteady when rising to a standing position.
  c. Smoking will require a reduction in dosage of the medication.
  d. Over-the-counter medications are safe to take while on this medication.

[nikmaaacs]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Patients with anxiety reactions to recent events and those with a treatable medical illness that induces anxiety respond most readily to benzodiazepine therapy. Long-term anxiety is best treated with medications other than benzodiazepines (e.g., prescription medications such as Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, and Wellbutrin). Severe depression does not improve with treatment of benzodiazepines. Patients who are having psychotic symptoms do not respond to benzodiazepines.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Patients may experience a transient episode of hypotension on arising. This medication does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. Smoking enhances the metabolism of benzodiazepines; larger doses may be necessary to maintain effects. Over-the-counter medications are to be approved by the health care provider. Antihistamines, for example, increase toxic effects.

[audragclark]

Excellent

[ktidd]

Great answer, keep it coming