Question 1

The nurse would anticipate an order for which of the following benzodiazepines as part of an alcohol withdrawal program that uses drug therapy?

Accepted Answer

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) is the benzodiazepine most commonly used for alcohol withdrawal due to its long half-life and effectiveness in managing symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and seizures. Bromazepam, halazepam, and ketazolam are less commonly used for alcohol withdrawal.

Question 2

Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for a client who has received a sedative or hypnotic?

Accepted Answer

A client who has received a sedative or hypnotic is at risk for falls and injury due to reduced cognitive function and decreased coordination, making "Risk for injury" the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. Impaired tissue perfusion, excess fluid volume, and risk for infection are not directly related to the administration of sedatives or hypnotics.

Question 3

A client who would benefit from drug therapy with benzodiazepines at times also takes opioid analgesics to manage exacerbations of chronic back pain.The nurse would be most concerned about which of the following adverse drug effects for this client?

Accepted Answer

Combining benzodiazepines with opioid analgesics can increase the risk of excessive sedation, respiratory depression, and even death. Therefore, the nurse should be most concerned about the potential for excessive sedation in this client. Hallucinations, nervousness, and increased back muscle spasms are not common adverse effects of benzodiazepines or opioid analgesics, and therefore are not the priority concern.

Question 4

Which of the following does the nurse expect to occur when a client is sleeping?

Accepted Answer

During sleep, the body's metabolic rate decreases, leading to a decrease in the demand for energy and oxygen. This is why the respiratory rate and oxygen consumption also decrease during sleep. Increased carbon dioxide production, increased body temperature, and accelerated oxygen consumption are not normal physiological responses during sleep.

Question 5

A client who has an order for chloral hydrate (Noctec)dislikes the taste of the elixir.The nurse should plan to prepare the dose by mixing it in which of the following beverages?

Accepted Answer

Chloral hydrate has a very bitter taste, so mixing it with a strongly flavored beverage like chilled fruit juice can help mask the taste, making it easier for the client to ingest.

Question 6

A client who cannot be roused after overdose with diazepam (Valium)requires administration of a drug to reverse sedation.Which of the following drugs does the nurse anticipate will be ordered?

Accepted Answer

Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that can reverse the sedative effects of diazepam (Valium). Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat infections, naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdose, and protamine sulfate is used as an antidote to heparin. None of these drugs would be appropriate for reversing diazepam overdose.

Question 7

The nurse should assess older adults who take long-acting sedatives or hypnotics for which of the following manifestations?

Accepted Answer

Older adults who take long-acting sedatives or hypnotics are at risk for ataxia, which is an unsteady gait or lack of coordination, and can put them at risk for falls. The other answer choices are not directly related to sedative or hypnotic use.

Question 8

Which of the following beverages to aid in sleep would be most appropriate for the nurse to offer a client who prefers not to use medication?

Accepted Answer

Herbal tea is the most appropriate choice for a client who prefers not to use medication to aid in sleep. Certain herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and valerian root have natural sedative effects which can help to promote sleep. Warm beverages like hot cocoa, black tea, or warm coffee contain caffeine which can interfere with sleep.

Question 9

Clients deprived of dreaming sleep are likely to exhibit which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Deprivation of dreaming sleep, also known as REM sleep, has been linked to several negative symptoms including confusion, suspicion, and withdrawal. This is because REM sleep is crucial for emotional regulation, memory consolidation, and cognitive processing. Without it, individuals may struggle with these functions and exhibit negative behaviors as a result. Therefore, option C is the best choice.

Question 10

Children often react with more sensitivity to central nervous system depressants.This may manifest in the development of which type of reaction?

Accepted Answer

Paradoxic reactions are characterized by a reaction that is opposite to what is expected. In the case of central nervous system depressants, a paradoxic reaction in children may result in increased agitation or excitement instead of sedation. Children are more vulnerable to this type of reaction due to their developing nervous systems.

Question 11

What instructions can be given to the client who does not want to develop a dependence on sedatives or hypnotics?

Accepted Answer

Taking the drug every other night and tapering off when able can help prevent dependence on sedatives and hypnotics. Stopping abruptly can result in withdrawal symptoms and make it difficult to fall asleep naturally. Option B is not helpful as it does not address the issue of dependence. Option C is not true, as sedatives and hypnotics can be addictive. Option D is also not helpful as it does not provide any guidance on how to prevent dependence.

Question 12

A client who began taking buspirone (BuSpar)as treatment for anxiety disorder reports to the nurse after 5 days that the drug does not seem to be helping his anxiety.The nurse would reinforce that the effects of the drug may not be fully experienced for how long?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone (BuSpar) typically takes 3 to 6 weeks to reach its full effect in treating anxiety, so patients may not notice significant improvements in their symptoms immediately.

Question 13

An older adult client has insomnia and is prescribed a drug to aid in falling asleep.The nurse would question an order for which drug based on a known adverse effect (hangover)related to the client's age?

Accepted Answer

Flurazepam has a long half-life and can cause a hangover effect in older adults, leading to daytime drowsiness and impaired cognitive function. The other drugs listed may have other adverse effects in older adults, but hangover is not typically associated with their use.

Question 14

A nurse notes during an admission assessment that the client takes zolpidem (Ambien)at home.The nurse should question the client about a history of which of the following health problems?

Accepted Answer

Zolpidem (Ambien) is primarily prescribed for insomnia, so the nurse would not need to question the client about a history of insomnia as it is the reason for taking the medication.

Question 15

When explaining the purpose of a prescribed single-dose sedative agent to a client,the nurse would say that it does which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A single-dose sedative agent is typically used to produce a calming or soothing effect by reducing nervousness, excitability, or irritability.

Question 16

When administering a benzodiazepine for sleep,which of the following nursing actions is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Administering benzodiazepines with caution if the client is also taking CNS depressants is crucial because of the potential for additive effects and increased risk of respiratory depression. The other options are either incorrect or not immediately relevant to administering a benzodiazepine for sleep.

Question 17

Midazolam (Versed)is ordered for a client in the preoperative holding area.The nurse explains to the client that primary benefits of this medication will be which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Midazolam is a benzodiazepine medication that has anxiolytic and amnesic effects. The primary benefits of midazolam include decreased anxiety and amnesia. It does not lower blood pressure or pulse and may cause sleepiness, but this is not its primary benefit.

Question 18

A client with a history of substance abuse also has a generalized anxiety disorder.The nurse anticipates that which of the following drugs would be most effective for this client based on unique needs?

Accepted Answer

Buspirone (BuSpar) is a non-addictive anxiolytic that does not cause sedation or potentiate the effects of other CNS depressants, making it a safer option for clients with a history of substance abuse. Diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan) are benzodiazepines with addictive potential and may exacerbate substance abuse issues. Chloral hydrate (Noctec) is a sedative-hypnotic drug that is not indicated for generalized anxiety disorder and has a high potential for abuse.

Question 19

Research has shown that older adults spend less time in which stage of sleep?

Accepted Answer

Older adults spend less time in Stage 4 sleep, also known as slow-wave sleep or deep sleep.

Question 20

A client has a diagnosis of anxiety associated with depression.The nurse anticipates that which of the following benzodiazepines is most likely to be ordered as part of overall management?

Accepted Answer

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine commonly used for the short-term treatment of anxiety associated with depression due to its anxiolytic properties. It has a rapid onset of action and is effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. However, it should be used with caution in individuals with a history of substance abuse or addiction.

Quiz 16: Antianxiety,sedative,and Hypnotic Drugs