Chapter 35: Management of Anxiety Disorders

Chapter 35: Management of Anxiety Disorders

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

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.

 

 

ANS:  D

The patient is clearly in a state of extreme, uncontrolled anxiety. Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice for acute episodes of anxiety because of their rapid onset of action. Benzodiazepines do not have a very short half-life. Benzodiazepines are associated with physical dependence. Benzodiazepines do not cure generalized anxiety, nor do any other drugs.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   p. 389

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies

 

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)

 

 

ANS:  A

Benzodiazepines are the first-choice drugs for anxiety, and alprazolam and lorazepam are prescribed most often. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the first-line drugs for the treatment of OCD. Panic disorder is treated with any of the three classes of antidepressants: SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Research has not shown any drug to be effective in the treatment of PTSD, although two SSRIs have been approved for use for this disorder.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Analysis                REF:   p. 389 | pp. 391-393

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies

 

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.”

 

 

ANS:  D

Ativan should not be withdrawn quickly; it must be tapered to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, Buspar does not have immediate effects. Because no cross-dependence occurs with these two medications, they may be taken together while the benzodiazepine is tapered. Because Buspar does not have sedative effects, patients can consume alcohol without increasing sedation. Levels of Buspar can be increased by grapefruit juice, leading to drowsiness and a feeling of dysphoria. Buspar can cause nervousness and excitement and does not have sedative effects, so patients with insomnia must use a sedative. Buspar does not have immediate effects.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   p. 389

TOP:   Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies

 

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

 

 

ANS:  C

This patient is showing characteristics of panic disorder. All three major classes of antidepressants are effective, but selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are first-line drugs. Benzodiazepines are second-line drugs and are rarely used because of their abuse potential. MAOIs are effective but are difficult to use because of side effects and drug and food interactions. Tricyclic antidepressants are second-line drugs, and their use is recommended only after a trial of at least one SSRI has failed.

 

PTS:   1                    DIF:    Cognitive Level: Application           REF:   p. 391

TOP:   Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:  NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiologic Integrity: Pharmacologic and Parenteral Therapies