A patient with an anxiety disorder is prescribed alprazolam. What is the primary action of this medication?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reduce anxiety. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that acts on the central nervous system to enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to calm the brain and reduce anxiety. This medication does not increase energy levels (choice A), induce sedation (choice B), or elevate mood (choice C). Alprazolam's primary action is to target and alleviate the symptoms of anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing excessive brain activity associated with anxiety disorders.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take folic acid supplements as prescribed. Methotrexate can lead to folic acid deficiency, causing side effects. Supplementing with folic acid can help manage these side effects. It is crucial for the nurse to emphasize the importance of taking folic acid as prescribed to prevent adverse effects. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Avoid alcohol completely - While alcohol should be limited or avoided due to potential liver toxicity with methotrexate, complete avoidance may not be necessary for all patients. C: Expect to see immediate results - Methotrexate takes time to work, and patients should not expect immediate results. Patience is necessary. D: Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day - There is no specific guideline to limit fluid intake with methotrexate. Adequate hydration is important for overall health.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Before meals. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works best when taken before meals to inhibit acid secretion before food intake. Taking it with meals (choice A) may decrease its effectiveness as it needs time to be absorbed. Taking it at bedtime (choice B) may not provide optimal coverage throughout the day. Taking it after meals (choice D) may not allow enough time for the medication to start working before the next meal.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Promote red blood cell production. Erythropoietin is a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. This is crucial for patients with CKD who often develop anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production. A: Stimulating white blood cell production is the function of other medications, such as colony-stimulating factors, not erythropoietin. B: Erythropoietin does not have an effect on platelet count. D: Enhancing clotting factor production is not the primary action of erythropoietin.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs. In clients with diabetes mellitus, poor circulation can lead to decreased hair growth on the legs. By observing the skin appearance, the nurse can look for signs of poor circulation such as dry skin, thinning of the skin, or discoloration. This assessment provides further data to support the finding of absent hair growth. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the assessment of absent hair growth in clients with diabetes mellitus. Palpating for femoral pulses assesses circulation but does not specifically address the absence of hair growth. Assessing for Homan's sign evaluates for deep vein thrombosis, which is not directly related to hair growth. Watching posture and balance during ambulation assesses mobility and stability but does not provide information on hair growth or circulation in the legs.