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A client with Alzheimer's disease (AD) is receiving trazodone, a recently prescribed atypical antidepressant. The caregiver tells the home health nurse that the client's mood and sleep patterns are improved, but there is no change in cognitive ability. How should the nurse respond to this information?

A.

Confirm that the desired effect of the medication has been achieved.

B.

Explain that it may take several weeks for the medication to be effective.

C.

Evaluate when and how the medication is being administered to the client.

D.

Notify the healthcare provider that a change in dosage may be needed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale:

A. Confirm that the desired effect of the medication has been achieved: Trazodone is prescribed to improve mood and aid sleep, not to enhance cognitive function. Since the caregiver reports improvement in those areas, the medication is achieving its intended therapeutic outcomes.

B. Explain that it may take several weeks for the medication to be effective: While some antidepressants require time to reach full effectiveness, the caregiver already reports improved mood and sleep. There is no indication of delayed onset.

C. Evaluate when and how the medication is being administered to the client: No signs of improper administration or ineffective dosing are indicated. The caregiver's feedback suggests the medication is being given correctly and is having a beneficial effect.

D. Notify the healthcare provider that a change in dosage may be needed: Cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease is progressive and not expected to improve with trazodone, so no dosage change is warranted based on this feedback.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Apply bilateral eye patches while sleeping: Routine patching is not typically required after photocoagulation. This intervention may impair safety and independence unnecessarily, especially if only one eye was treated.

B. Arrange food on the plate in clockwise order: This technique supports clients with total blindness, but photocoagulation for macular degeneration usually preserves peripheral vision. Clock-face plate arrangement may not be necessary for partial vision loss.

C. Verbally identify self when entering the room: Clients with macular degeneration often lose central vision but retain peripheral vision. Verbal identification helps orient and reassure the client, supporting emotional comfort and safety in the postoperative period.

D. Use a white board to communicate ideas: White boards require intact central vision for reading. Clients with macular degeneration may struggle to see text, so verbal communication is generally more effective and appropriate.

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A"}

Explanation

Rationale for Correct Choices:

  • Frequent neurologic assessments: Frequent neurological checks are crucial during and after tPA administration to detect early signs of complications, particularly worsening neurological status, which may indicate intracranial bleeding. These assessments help ensure prompt intervention if deterioration occurs.
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage: Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most serious and well-known risk of thrombolytic therapy. Monitoring for signs such as sudden headache, changes in consciousness, or worsening neurological symptoms is essential to detect this life-threatening complication early.

Rationale for Incorrect Choices:

  • Continuous blood pressure monitoring: Although blood pressure control is important during tPA administration, continuous monitoring is not always required. Frequent checks (e.g., every 15 minutes) are typically sufficient unless there is an acute hypertensive crisis or rapid changes in neurological status.
  • Hourly intake and output measuring: While intake and output may be monitored in ICU settings, this is not the priority during tPA administration. It does not help in detecting the most immediate and severe risk associated with thrombolytics.
  • Pulmonary embolism: tPA is used to treat embolic events, not likely to cause them. Pulmonary embolism is not a known complication of thrombolytic therapy in ischemic stroke cases and would not be the primary concern during administration.
  • Deep vein thrombosis: DVT is a potential complication from immobility in stroke patients, but not from tPA use. Monitoring for DVT is important during hospitalization but is not the priority during or immediately after tPA infusion.

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