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    Ati Mental Health proctored Exam

    A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder. The client has a prescription for alprazolam 0.25 mg PO every 8 hr PRN anxiety. For which of the following client statements should the nurse consider administering alprazolam?

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: Seeing purple bugs crawling on the wall suggests visual hallucinations, a symptom of schizophrenia rather than anxiety. Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, is prescribed for anxiety, not psychotic symptoms, which are better managed with antipsychotics. Choice B reason: A pounding heart is a physical symptom of anxiety, indicating heightened arousal or panic. This aligns with the indication for alprazolam, which is used to relieve acute anxiety symptoms, making it appropriate to consider administering the medication. Choice C reason: Claiming to be a government agent may reflect a delusion, a symptom of schizophrenia. Alprazolam is not indicated for delusions, which require antipsychotic treatment, so this statement does not warrant its use. Choice D reason: Feeling too tired to attend a group meeting suggests fatigue, not necessarily anxiety. Alprazolam is not indicated for tiredness, which may require other interventions like rest or medical evaluation, making this an inappropriate trigger for administration.

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