Chapter 15: Drugs Used for Anxiety Disorders

Chapter 15: Drugs Used for Anxiety Disorders

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. What is the recommended time over which antianxiety medications must be gradually tapered before discontinuation?

ANS:  B

Withdrawal from medication should be done under a health care provider’s supervision. Withdrawal usually takes 4 weeks and requires a gradual reduction in dosage and greater intervals between medication administrations. One week is an inadequate interval for cessation of antianxiety medication therapy. Six months to 1 year is much longer than necessary for cessation of antianxiety medication therapy.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Page 223        OBJ:   5

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Patient Education; Safety

2. Which is a benzodiazepine of choice when treating anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal?

ANS:  B

Oxazepam and lorazepam are the drugs of choice in treating anxiety disorders because they have no active metabolites. Chlordiazepoxide and clorazepate are not the drugs of choice when treating anxiety associated with alcohol withdrawal. Diazepam has not been studied as fully as oxazepam in treating patients who have hepatic function impairment.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Knowledge            REF:   Page 223        OBJ:   1

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Patient Education

3. Which is the drug of choice to treat a patient with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)?

ANS:  C

Fluvoxamine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the nerve endings, thus prolonging serotonin activity. Fluvoxamine is used for the treatment of OCD when the obsessions or compulsions cause marked distress or interfere substantially with social or occupational responsibilities. Fluvoxamine does not prevent the obsessions or compulsions; the therapeutic outcome of this drug is to assist the patient in his or her management. Lorazepam, buspirone, and hydroxyzine do not treat the symptoms of OCD.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension     REF:   Page 225        OBJ:   1

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Patient Education

4. The outcome statement for a patient suffering from anxiety disorder reads, “After 1 week on alprazolam (Xanax) therapy, patient will exhibit a manageable level of anxiety.” Which assessment finding validates that this outcome is met?

ANS:  D

The primary therapeutic outcome expected from benzodiazepine antianxiety agents is a decrease in the level of anxiety to a manageable level. Physical signs of anxiety have decreased, and coping is improved. Being unable to participate in group therapy, persistent fears, and choosing inappropriate coping mechanisms for noncatastrophic events indicate that the anxiety is not manageable.

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   Page 223        OBJ:   3

TOP:   Nursing Process Step: Evaluation

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Psychosocial Integrity

NOT:  CONCEPT(S): Clinical Judgment; Patient Education