A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder. The client has a prescription for 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: Visual hallucinations such as seeing bugs crawling on the wall are symptoms of schizophrenia, not anxiety. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used for acute anxiety relief, not for treating hallucinations. Choice B reason: Delusional thinking, such as believing one is a government agent, is a psychotic symptom of schizophrenia. Alprazolam does not treat delusions; antipsychotic medications are required. Choice C reason: A pounding heart is a classic manifestation of acute anxiety or panic. Alprazolam is indicated for short-term relief of acute anxiety symptoms, making this the appropriate situation for administration. Choice D reason: Fatigue and lack of motivation are common in schizophrenia and depression, but alprazolam is not indicated for these symptoms. Administering it in this case would not address the underlying issue.