Question

The nurse is caring for a client who was prescribed alprazolam. When educating the client about the new medication, which intended effect should the nurse include?

A
Reduce anxiety and provide a calming effect Correct Answer (Blank)
B
Reduce symptoms of depression
C
Increase coordination and the ability to concentrate
D
Alleviate signs and symptoms of spasticity

Answer 1

The nurse should inform the client that alprazolam is intended to reduce anxiety and provide a calming effect, which are primary effects of benzodiazepines like alprazolam on the central nervous system.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse is caring for a client who was prescribed alprazolam. When educating the client about the new medication, the intended effect that the nurse should include is to reduce anxiety and provide a calming effect. Alprazolam, which is classified as a benzodiazepine, works on the central nervous system and its primary effects are sedation, hypnosis, decreased anxiety, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant activity. This medication is often used for its anxiolytic and sedative properties, helping to manage symptoms of anxiety disorders and panic attacks, and may sometimes be prescribed in conjunction with antidepressants during their latent period of efficacy for anxiety disorders. Because alprazolam is also a central nervous system depressant, it helps to suppress excessive neural activity, which can alleviate feelings of panic and distress.