EXAMS SCRIPT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS SURE A+
✔✔A nurse is completing an assessment of a client taking central nervous system
(CNS) depressant medication.
The nurse will monitor for symptoms of CNS depression such as __________
associated with the inhibition of nerve impulse transmission to the CNS. -
✔✔Respiratory depression
✔✔The nurse is caring for a client taking pentobarbital, a short-acting barbiturate.
Based on the knowledge of the indications for this medication, this client may have a
history of __________. - ✔✔Seizures
✔✔In educating clients taking benzodiazepines with other central nervous system
(CNS) depressants, the nurse indicates this may put the client at risk for __________. -
✔✔Toxicity
✔✔The nurse caring for a client taking a central nervous system (CNS) depressant
should consider which adverse effect when assessing the client? - ✔✔Excessive
sedation
,✔✔The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client who is taking a central
nervous system (CNS) depressant. The client takes kava for insomnia. The nurse
understands that kava __________. - ✔✔Causes CNS depression
✔✔The nurse is caring for a client with a prescription for a barbiturate. The nurse should
check the client's lab results to ensure the client __________. - ✔✔Is not pregnant
✔✔The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed zolpidem, a hypnotic
central nervous system (CNS) depressant. At what time should the nurse plan to
administer this medication to maximize its sleep-inducing effectiveness? - ✔✔30-60
minutes before bedtime
✔✔The nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed a central nervous system (CNS)
depressant. Which nursing interventions should be used to minimize the risks
associated with this drug class? Select all that apply. - ✔✔Instruct the client to avoid
driving while taking this medication.
Instruct the client to request help with ambulation.
✔✔In reviewing benzodiazepine use in an older adult, which effects should the nurse
anticipate? Select all that apply. - ✔✔Increased central nervous system (CNS)
depressive effects.
Risk of low respiratory rate and excessive sedation.
✔✔The nurse is caring for a client recovering from a surgical procedure who was
admitted from the post-anesthesia care unit. The client received diazepam for sedation
during the procedure. The client is recovering well and is tolerating drinking liquids.
During the assessment, a family member hands the client a glass of grapefruit juice.
Based on the nurse's knowledge of diazepam, what is the priority nursing action? -
✔✔Assess sedation level, respiratory effort, and vital signs.
✔✔The nurse is caring for a client with a prescription for a nonbenzodiazepine drug.
The client is allergic to aspirin. The nurse educates the client that those with an allergy
to aspirin __________ nonbenzodiazepines. - ✔✔Are more likely to have an allergy to
✔✔The nurse is caring for a female client for whom suvorexant is prescribed. The nurse
is aware that the client may experience __________. - ✔✔An increased risk for daytime
sleepiness.
✔✔The nurse is caring for a client taking a central nervous system (CNS) depressant.
Which assessment priority should the nurse include in the plan of care? -
✔✔Respiratory depression
, ✔✔The nurse is caring for an older adult who is being discharged home with a
prescription for a barbiturate to treat seizures. The medical record indicates that the
client takes over-the-counter medications for seasonal allergies, drinks alcoholic
beverages on occasion, and has a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and
depression. The nurse discusses the adverse effects that may result when taking a
barbiturate with other central nervous system (CNS) depressive substances.
For each statement, indicate if it should or should not be included in the client teaching.
- ✔✔*Include:*
• This medication will likely make you feel dizzy and possibly fall down.
• Do not drink alcohol because it will interact with this medication.
• The monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) you have been taking for depression
interacts with this medication, so your doctor is going to prescribe a different
antidepressant for you.
• The anticoagulant you are taking to prevent future deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) is less
effective due to this medication, so let's discuss the symptoms of blood clots.
*Do Not Include:*
• When your seasonal allergies flare up, you can continue to take your over-the-counter
antihistamine.
• We will be decreasing your dose of the anticoagulant you take for deep vein
thrombosis (DVTs) because this medication will cause a decrease in your platelet count
and put you at risk for bleeding.
• This medication may cause your blood pressure to increase.
• You will be taking this medication long-term which can lead to insomnia, so you may
need to take an over-the-counter sleep aid.
✔✔The nurse is caring for a client with a history of hypertension, glaucoma, and deep
vein thrombosis (DVT). The client has been prescribed a benzodiazepine. Which
possible contraindications and drug-to-drug interactions may occur? Select all that
apply. - ✔✔Benzodiazepines are contraindicated in clients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
Verapamil and diltiazem can cause a decrease in benzodiazepine metabolism.
✔✔The nurse is preparing discharge instructions for a client being sent home with a
prescription for a benzodiazepine. Match the instructions to the potential risks of this
medication class. - ✔✔*Risk for Injury:*
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
• May be higher risk for falls.
• Can cause confusion or memory loss.
*Risk for Sedation:*
• Do not use with kava or valerian root.
• Do not use with alcohol or opioids.
• Do not use with sleep aids.