Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new prescription for alprazolam to treat insomnia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving. This instruction is crucial because alprazolam is a sedative-hypnotic medication that can cause drowsiness and impair alertness. Driving or engaging in activities requiring focus can be dangerous. Choice B is incorrect as alprazolam should be taken on an empty stomach for better absorption, not with a high-fat meal. Choice C is incorrect because alprazolam is usually taken on an "as-needed" basis for insomnia, not necessarily every night. Choice D is unrelated as monitoring for peripheral edema is not specifically associated with alprazolam.