A Patient Informs You That She Has Been Taking More

question 20

Multiple Choice

A patient informs you that she has been taking more phenobarbital than the doctor prescribed because the amount that he prescribed was not helping her sleep.She also says that when she does not take the drug,she becomes very anxious,has tremors,and feels like she is being watched.Using your knowledge of sedative-hypnotic drugs,explain to this patient that she has developed a physical dependency on phenobarbital.

• A) The anxiety, tremors, and paranoid behavior are signs of withdrawal which occurs when a patient has taken larger than therapeutic dosages for more than 1 to 2 months.
• B) The anxiety, tremors, and paranoid behavior are normal with the use of phenobarbital.
• C) The anxiety, tremors, and paranoid behavior are completely unrelated to the use of phenobarbital.
• D) None of the above are correct.

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Definitions:

Death Anxiety

The fear or apprehension of death or dying.

Well-being

A state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy, often considered holistically including physical, emotional, and social aspects.

Neuroticism

A personality trait characterized by emotional instability, anxiety, moodiness, worry, and fear.

Existence Of God

The belief or philosophical argument regarding the presence of a divine creator or supreme being ruling the universe.