The client has been taking clonazepam (Klonopin) for chronic anxiety for three years. The client tells the nurse he wants to stop the medication. What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "You will need to gradually decrease your dose before stopping."
2. "I don't think it is a good idea to stop your medication."
3. "There are not any serious complications to stopping this drug."
4. "Medications for anxiety must be taken for the rest of your life."
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a CNS depressant drug. Abrupt cessation can result in serious withdrawal symptoms. Clients must be gradually decreased in their dose before stopping the drug.
Rationale 2: "I don't think it is a good idea to stop your medication" is incorrect because it is the patient's decision to stop medications, and it is inappropriate for the nurse to give advice before doing an assessment.
Rationale 3: "There are not any serious complications to stopping this drug" is incorrect because abrupt cessation can result in serious withdrawal symptoms.
Rationale 4: "Medications for anxiety must be taken for the rest of your life" is incorrect because anti-anxiety medications are indicated for short-term relief of anxiety while the client focuses on problem-solving techniques, so medications need not be taken for the rest of a client's life.
Global Rationale: Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a CNS depressant drug. Abrupt cessation can result in serious withdrawal symptoms. Clients must be gradually decreased in their dose before stopping the drug. "I don't think it is a good idea to stop your medication" is incorrect because it is the patient's decision to stop medications, and it is inappropriate for the nurse to give advice before doing an assessment. "There are not any serious complications to stopping this drug" is incorrect because abrupt cessation can result in serious withdrawal symptoms. "Medications for anxiety must be taken for the rest of your life" is incorrect because anti-anxiety medications are indicated for short-term relief of anxiety while the client focuses on problem-solving techniques, so medications need not be taken for the rest of a client's life.
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