A client with depression has been taking citalopram, an SSRI, for several months and has presented for a follow-up assessment. The client tells the nurse, "I've been reading a lot online about the benefits of St. John's wort for depression, so I've started taking it once per day." In addition to referring the client to the provider, what is the nurse's best response?
"There can be an unsafe reaction between your antidepressant and St. John's wort, which is why taking them both is discouraged."
"Herbal remedies often contain unknown doses of the desired ingredient, which can be dangerous."
"It's very important that you not take the St. John's wort at the same time of day as your antidepressant."
"It's very important that you comply with your prescribed treatment."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "There can be an unsafe reaction between your antidepressant and St. John's wort, which is why taking them both is discouraged." is correct; St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of SSRIs and may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, making it vital for the nurse to address this safety concern.
B. "Herbal remedies often contain unknown doses of the desired ingredient, which can be dangerous." is a valid point, but it does not specifically address the interaction with the client’s current medication.
C. "It's very important that you not take the St. John's wort at the same time of day as your antidepressant." is misleading; the concern is not just about timing but about taking both together at all.
D. "It's very important that you comply with your prescribed treatment." while true, this response does not directly address the specific risks associated with combining St. John's wort and citalopram.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms, including seizures. It acts quickly to reduce anxiety and seizure activity.
B. Phenytoin is primarily used for seizure control in conditions such as epilepsy but is not the first-line treatment for alcohol withdrawal seizures.
C. Ethosuximide is specifically used for absence seizures and is not effective for alcohol withdrawal.
D. Gabapentin is sometimes used for neuropathic pain but is not indicated for acute alcohol withdrawal or seizure management.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Constricted pupils are not an expected response to isoproterenol, which generally causes dilation of the pupils due to sympathetic stimulation.
B. Warm, dry skin is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of isoproterenol; it could result from various factors unrelated to the medication's action.
C. Increased heart rate indicates that isoproterenol, which is a beta-agonist, is effectively stimulating the beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to increased cardiac output and heart rate.
D. Decreased urine output is not a sign of effectiveness and could indicate adverse effects such as reduced renal perfusion.
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