The nurse is preparing to educate a patient and significant other ...

[notis]

The nurse is preparing to educate a patient and significant other about antianxiety medications before the patient's discharge. What is pertinent information to be included in the teaching plan?
 
  a. Discuss, review, and validate the behavior monitoring system and intervention flow sheet the patient and significant other will continue to use following discharge.
  b. Discuss the possible dependence associated with the medication at length to make sure the patient does not overuse the drug.
  c. Instruct the patient to educate family members about the medication therapy, based on recollection of discussions with the nurse.
  d. Provide all instructions verbally, with repetition as needed when requested by the patient.

Question 2

Which is true regarding psychological drug dependence?
 
  a. It is easier to treat than physiological dependence.
  b. It is not considered a true addiction.
  c. It is easily controlled by influencing the patient's perceptions.
  d. It requires medical intervention to treat.

[Loise Hard]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
It is the responsibility of the nurse to educate patients about their therapy, monitoring for therapeutic benefit and adverse effects to expect and report, and intervening whenever possible to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Making the patient fearful of the medication therapy defeats the purpose of using the drug to control anxiety. The topic should be mentioned because it is important, but it should not be emphasized. Family members or significant others should participate in discussions with the nurse whenever possible, and the patient should be given written instructions to refer to after discharge. Verbal instruction should be backed up with written documents for the patient to refer to after discharge.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Medical intervention is required to treat psychological drug dependence. Psychological addictions are often more difficult to overcome than physiological addictions. Psychological drug dependence can be very difficult to treat.