Chapter 35-Anxiety Disorders

Question 1

1. An agitated, extremely anxious patient is brought to the emergency department. The prescriber orders a benzodiazepine. The nurse understands that benzodiazepines are used in this clinical situation based on which principle?
   a.
   Benzodiazepines have a very short half-life.
   b.
   Physical dependence is not a risk when taking benzodiazepines.
   c.
   Benzodiazepines are known to cure generalized anxiety.
   d.
   Benzodiazepines have a rapid onset of action.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

2.	A nurse is performing an admission assessment on a patient. The patient reports taking alprazolam [Xanax] for “nerves.” The nurse knows that this patient is most likely being treated for which condition?
a.
Generalized anxiety disorder
b.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
c.
Panic disorder
d.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer 2

A

Question 3

3. A nurse is preparing a patient who will stop taking lorazepam [Ativan] for anxiety and begin taking 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.”

Answer 3

D

Question 4

4.	A patient reports having occasional periods of tremors, palpitations, nausea, and a sense of fear, which usually dissipate within 30 minutes. To treat this condition, the nurse anticipates the provider will prescribe a drug in which drug class?
a.
Benzodiazepines
b.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
c.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
d.
Tricyclic antidepressants

Answer 4

C

Question 5

5.	A patient describes feelings of anxiety and fear when speaking in front of an audience and is having difficulty at work because of an inability to present information at meetings three or four times each year. The patient is reluctant to take long-term medications. The nurse will expect the provider to order which treatment?
a.
Alprazolam [Xanax] as needed
b.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
c.
Paroxetine [Paxil]
d.
Psychotherapy

Answer 5

A

Question 6

6. During an admission history, a patient reports a frequent need to return to a room multiple times to make sure an iron or other appliance is unplugged. What does the nurse understand about this patient’s behavior?
   a.
   It helps the patient reduce anxiety about causing a fire.
   b.
   It usually is treated with alprazolam [Xanax].
   c.
   It seems perfectly normal to the patient.
   d.
   It will best respond to deep brain stimulation.

Answer 6

A

Question 7

7.	A patient is diagnosed with anxiety after describing symptoms of tension, poor concentration, and difficulty sleeping that have persisted for over 6 months. Which medication will the nurse expect the provider to order for this patient?
a.
Alprazolam [Xanax]
b.
Amitriptyline [Elavil]
c.
Buspirone [Buspar]
d.
Paroxetine [Paxil]

Answer 7

C

Question 8

8. A patient who has been taking alprazolam [Xanax] to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) reports recently stopping the medication after symptoms have improved but reports having feelings of panic and paranoia. Which initial action by the nurse is correct?
   a.
   Ask the patient if the medication was stopped abruptly.
   b.
   Instruct the patient to resume taking the alprazolam.
   c.
   Notify the provider that the patient is experiencing a relapse.
   d.
   Suggest that the patient discuss taking buspirone [Buspar] with the provider.

Answer 8

A

Question 9

9.	A patient who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been undergoing behavioral therapy but continues to exhibit symptoms that interfere with daily life. Which intervention will the nurse expect the provider to order for this patient?
a.
Alprazolam [Xanax]
b.
Buspirone [Buspar]
c.
Deep brain stimulation
d.
Fluoxetine [Paxil]

Answer 9

D

Question 10

1.	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are known to be effective for which disorders? (Select all that apply.)
a.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
b.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
c.
Panic disorder
d.
Post-traumatic stress disorder
e.
Social anxiety disorder

Answer 10

A. B. C. E.