Question

A client is experiencing sudden, moderate level anxiety. The nurse would anticipate that the psychiatrist would most likely prescribe which medication?

1) Citalopram
2) Alprazolam
3) Fluoxetine
4) Chlordiazepoxide

Answer 1

A psychiatrist would likely prescribe alprazolam for sudden, moderate-level anxiety because it is effective for quick relief. SSRIs like citalopram and fluoxetine are not typically used for immediate symptom management in such cases.

Step-by-step explanation:

For a client experiencing sudden, moderate-level anxiety, a psychiatrist would most likely prescribe a medication that can provide rapid relief of symptoms. Among the options listed, alprazolam is a benzodiazepine known for its quick onset of action and effectiveness in reducing acute anxiety symptoms. While citalopram and fluoxetine are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are typically used for long-term treatment of anxiety and depression, they generally do not provide the immediate relief of symptoms that is often necessary in cases of sudden anxiety. Chlordiazepoxide is another benzodiazepine, but it is not as commonly used for acute anxiety attacks as alprazolam. Alprazolam works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has depressant effects on the nervous system, leading to decreased anxiety.