Benzodiazepines are often the drug of choice for managing anxiety and insomnia. Which statement best explains why?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of nursing pharmacology, it is essential to understand why benzodiazepines are often the drug of choice for managing anxiety and insomnia. Option A, stating that benzodiazepines are the most effective, is the correct answer. Benzodiazepines work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, resulting in a calming effect on the central nervous system. This mechanism of action makes benzodiazepines highly effective in treating anxiety and insomnia. Option B, stating that benzodiazepines have the lowest risk of dependency and tolerance, is incorrect. Benzodiazepines are associated with a high potential for dependency and tolerance, especially with long-term use. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms and the need for careful monitoring when prescribing these medications. Option C, suggesting that benzodiazepines are most likely to be covered under insurance premiums, is irrelevant to the pharmacological aspect of why they are used to manage anxiety and insomnia. Insurance coverage does not determine the efficacy or appropriateness of a medication for a specific condition. Option D, claiming that benzodiazepines are the most affordable, is also incorrect in this context. Affordability is not a primary factor when considering the use of benzodiazepines for managing anxiety and insomnia. The focus is on the medication's effectiveness and safety profile. In an educational context, it is crucial for nursing students to understand the rationale behind drug choices to provide safe and effective patient care. By comprehending the pharmacological mechanisms of benzodiazepines and their specific indications, students can make informed decisions when administering these medications and educating patients about their use and potential side effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Anxiety and social withdrawal are more frequently seen in girls than in boys when considering attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This statement is accurate because research has shown that girls with ADHD often present with internalizing symptoms like anxiety and social withdrawal, which can sometimes lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Option A is incorrect because ADHD is not characterized by periods of mania and depression; rather, it is characterized by symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and/or inattention. Option C is incorrect because historically, ADHD has been more commonly diagnosed in boys than in girls. However, it is now understood that girls may exhibit different symptoms or cope with their symptoms differently, leading to potential underdiagnosis in females. Option D is incorrect because ADHD is typically diagnosed in childhood, not later in life. Early identification and intervention are crucial for managing ADHD effectively and minimizing its impact on a person's life. Educationally, understanding the nuances of ADHD presentation in girls is essential for healthcare professionals, especially nurses, who may encounter individuals with ADHD in various healthcare settings. Recognizing the diverse ways in which ADHD can manifest can help improve identification, diagnosis, and treatment outcomes for all individuals, regardless of gender.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash to help alleviate dry mouth. This option is the most appropriate suggestion to improve medication adherence for a patient with depression who is concerned about side effects. Alcohol-based mouthwash can exacerbate dry mouth, which is a common side effect of many medications used to treat depression. By avoiding alcohol-based mouthwash, the patient can potentially reduce the discomfort associated with dry mouth, thus increasing the likelihood of medication adherence. Option A) Use ice chips to help alleviate dry mouth may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of dry mouth related to medication side effects. Option B) Chew gum or use hard candy to help alleviate dry mouth can also provide temporary relief but may not be suitable for all patients, especially those with dental issues or dietary restrictions. Option D) Use 'dry eye' drops to help with eye dryness is unrelated to the issue of dry mouth experienced as a side effect of medication for depression. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of considering side effects and their management in promoting medication adherence among patients. It underscores the role of nurses in providing patient education and support to address concerns and improve treatment outcomes in mental health care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's primary concern when a client's calcium level is low should be bone fractures (Option B). This is because calcium plays a crucial role in bone health and strength. When calcium levels are low, the body may leach calcium from the bones to maintain normal blood calcium levels, leading to a higher risk of fractures and bone density loss. Option A, seizures, is not the primary concern in this case because low calcium levels typically do not lead directly to seizures. While severe hypocalcemia can potentially cause seizures, bone fractures are a more immediate concern due to the impact on bone integrity. Option C, hypoglycemia, is unrelated to calcium levels. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels and is not directly related to low calcium levels. Option D, depression, is also not directly related to low calcium levels. Depression is a mental health condition that is not primarily influenced by calcium levels in the body. In an educational context, understanding the importance of calcium in maintaining bone health and the potential consequences of low calcium levels is crucial for nurses, especially when caring for patients at risk for calcium imbalances. Recognizing the priority concerns based on specific lab values is essential for providing safe and effective nursing care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of nursing pharmacology and patient education on osteoarthritis, option C is the correct answer. The rationale behind this choice is that medications for osteoarthritis often focus on reducing inflammation, which is a key component of the pathophysiology of the condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are commonly used to manage osteoarthritis by targeting inflammation and pain. Option A is incorrect because medications for osteoarthritis do not prevent the development of rheumatoid arthritis, as these are two distinct conditions with different etiologies and treatment approaches. Option B is also incorrect as while medications can help manage pain associated with osteoarthritis, pain reduction is not the sole goal of pharmacotherapy for this condition. Option D is incorrect because medications cannot prevent the development of osteoarthritis; they are used primarily for symptom management and disease progression control. In an educational context, it is crucial for nurses to understand the goals of pharmacotherapy for osteoarthritis to effectively educate patients. By explaining that medications target inflammation, nurses can help patients understand how their prescribed medications work to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life. This knowledge empowers patients to adhere to their treatment plans and actively participate in managing their condition.