Pharmacology Proctored ATI Practice Exam

For which symptom should a nurse consider administering alprazolam to a client with schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder?

1. The client feels restless

2. The client states, 'My heart is pounding out of my chest.'

3. The client is sleeping

4. The client is experiencing hallucinations

The correct answer is: The client states, 'My heart is pounding out of my chest.'

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. In this scenario, the client has both schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder. When considering administering alprazolam to such a client, the nurse should focus on its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. Among the symptoms provided, the most appropriate reason to consider administering alprazolam would be when the client states, "My heart is pounding out of my chest." This symptom indicates significant anxiety and may benefit from the anxiolytic effects of alprazolam to help reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety. While the other symptoms listed may be present in clients with schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder, they are not typically targeted symptoms for alprazolam administration. The client feeling restless, sleeping, or experiencing hallucinations may require different interventions specific to those symptoms.