A client is abusing an antianxiety medication. Which assessment by the nurse would confirm a ...

Correct Answer: 1,2,4
Rationale 1: Psychological dependence usually requires the use of relatively high doses of antianxiety medication over a prolonged period of time.
Rationale 2: Psychological dependence is the need or desire to continue taking a drug when there is a lack of physical symptoms. In this case, the client does not feel anxious but still has the desire to take the antianxiety medication.
Rationale 3: Physical dependence produces physical signs of discomfort when the agent is discontinued. This is not true of psychological dependence.
Rationale 4: To continue the use of the antianxiety drug at the risk of jeopardizing relationships is indicative of psychological dependence.
Rationale 5: Physical dependence produces physical signs of discomfort when the agent is discontinued. This is not true of psychological dependence.
Global Rationale: Psychological dependence usually requires the use of relatively high doses of antianxiety medication over a prolonged period of time. Psychological dependence is the need or desire to continue taking a drug when there is a lack of physical symptoms. In this case, the client does not feel anxious but still has the desire to take the antianxiety medication. To continue the use of the antianxiety drug at the risk of jeopardizing relationships is indicative of psychological dependence. Physical dependence produces physical signs of discomfort when the agent is discontinued. This is not true of psychological dependence. Physical dependence produces physical signs of discomfort when the agent is discontinued. This is not true of psychological dependence.