Psychopharmacology and Anti-Anxiety Medications

These flashcards cover key concepts, treatments, and side effects related to psychopharmacology and anti-anxiety medications.

A nurse is educating a client about the first-line treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Which of the following is considered a first-line treatment?
A) Benzodiazepines and Buspirone
B) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and SSRIs/SNRIs
C) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
D) Hypnosis and herbal remedies

B) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and SSRIs/SNRIs

A client asks the nurse about common medication classes used to treat anxiety disorders. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers
B) Anti-anxiety agents, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines
C) Stimulants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
D) Muscle relaxants and anticoagulants

B) Anti-anxiety agents, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines

A nurse is explaining the mechanism of action of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The nurse should state that SSRIs:
A) Decrease dopamine levels in the brain
B) Enhance the effects of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA
C) Are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that increase serotonin levels
D) Block norepinephrine reuptake

C) Are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors that increase serotonin levels

A client with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) describes their symptoms to the nurse. Which of the following commonly reported symptoms would the nurse expect to hear?
A) Grandiose delusions and hallucinations
B) Manic episodes and increased energy
C) Excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances
D) Auditory and visual sensory perceptions

C) Excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and sleep disturbances

A client asks how benzodiazepines help with anxiety. The nurse explains that benzodiazepines work by:
A) Blocking serotonin receptors
B) Inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine
C) Enhancing responses to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA
D) Increasing norepinephrine levels

C) Enhancing responses to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA

A nurse is educating a client about potential side effects of benzodiazepines. Which of the following is a significant side effect the nurse should emphasize?
A) Serotonin syndrome
B) CNS depression, drowsiness, and potential for dependence
C) Hypertensive crisis
D) Priapism

B) CNS depression, drowsiness, and potential for dependence

When discussing medication options for panic disorder, the nurse identifies which two Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) as first-line treatments?
A) Bupropion and Mirtazapine
B) Venlafaxine and Duloxetine
C) Fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)
D) Amitriptyline and Imipramine

C) Fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft)

A client is scheduled for CBT for an anxiety disorder. The client asks the nurse what 'CBT' stands for. The nurse should respond with:
A) Comprehensive Behavioral Training
B) Cognitive Biologic Treatment
C) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
D) Client-Based Treatment

C) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client prescribed alprazolam. The nurse emphasizes that the client should avoid combining alprazolam with which of the following due to increased CNS depression?
A) Caffeine-containing beverages
B) Over-the-counter pain relievers
C) Alcohol and other CNS depressants
D) High-protein foods

C) Alcohol and other CNS depressants

When assessing a client for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the nurse would look for a cluster of symptoms including:
A) Impulsivity, grandiosity, and decreased need for sleep
B) Obsessive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, and ritualistic actions
C) Re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders, and hyperarousal
D) Delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech

C) Re-experiencing the event, avoidance of reminders, and hyperarousal

A client requires an anxiolytic medication but wants to avoid significant sedation. Which medication would the nurse identify as a non-sedating option?
A) Diazepam
B) Lorazepam
C) Buspirone
D) Alprazolam

C) Buspirone

For an individual with social anxiety disorder, exposure to social situations is most likely to trigger which of the following?
A) Euphoria and increased self-esteem
B) Intense fear and anxiety
C) A sense of calm and relaxation
D) Indifference and apathy

B) Intense fear and anxiety

A client beginning treatment with an SSRI asks about potential side effects. The nurse should include which of the following in the teaching plan?
A) Hypertensive crisis and severe dietary restrictions
B) Extrapyramidal symptoms and neuroleptic malignant syndrome
C) Nausea, headache, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction
D) Blurred vision, dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation

C) Nausea, headache, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction

When first-line treatments are insufficient for panic disorder, which category of medications is typically considered as a second-line option?
A) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
B) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
C) Atypical Antipsychotics
D) Beta-blockers

B) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)

A client taking a benzodiazepine reports feeling more agitated and anxious after taking the medication. The nurse recognizes this as a:
A) Expected therapeutic effect
B) Allergic reaction
C) Paradoxical response
D) Sign of overdose

C) Paradoxical response, such as increased anxiety or agitation

A client asks the nurse about the main goal of psychopharmacology in treating mental health disorders. The nurse explains that the primary goal is to:
A) Cure the underlying genetic causes of the disorder
B) Relieve symptoms and improve functioning
C) Replace the need for psychotherapy entirely
D) Induce a state of euphoria

B) Relieve symptoms and improve functioning

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client prescribed a certain class of antidepressant. The nurse warns against consuming tyramine-rich foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis. Which medication class is the client likely taking?
A) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
B) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
C) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
D) Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

C) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

When developing a care plan for a client with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the nurse anticipates which common treatment approach?
A) Benzodiazepines as monotherapy
B) SSRIs combined with behavioral therapy
C) Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
D) Stimulants and antipsychotics

B) SSRIs combined with behavioral therapy

A nurse is educating a client about safe use of benzodiazepines. Which instruction is crucial to prevent withdrawal symptoms?
A) Take medication only when feeling anxious
B) Double the dose if one dose is missed
C) Avoid abrupt discontinuation of the medication
D) Increase dose gradually over several days

C) Avoid abrupt discontinuation to prevent withdrawal symptoms

A client with social anxiety disorder is seeking treatment. The nurse informs the client that which type of therapy is considered the first-line option?
A) Psychodynamic therapy
B) Art therapy
C) Cognitive and behavioral therapy
D) Group psychoanalysis

C) Cognitive and behavioral therapy