A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking sertraline for 2 weeks. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication that the medication is effective?
The client's blood pressure is within the expected reference range.
The client's legs are not swollen.
The client reports a recent weight loss
The client reports increase in mood.
The Correct Answer is D
A. The client's blood pressure is within the expected reference range - While blood pressure monitoring is important during treatment with certain medications, such as antihypertensives, it is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of sertraline, which is an antidepressant medication.
B. The client's legs are not swollen - Swelling of the legs may be a sign of fluid retention, which can occur with various conditions and medications. However, it is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of sertraline.
C. The client reports a recent weight loss - Weight changes, including weight loss or gain, can occur as side effects of sertraline. However, weight changes alone do not necessarily indicate the effectiveness of the medication in treating depression.
D. The client reports an increase in mood - Improvement in mood, reduction in depressive symptoms, and overall sense of well-being are primary indicators of the effectiveness of sertraline and other antidepressant medications in treating depression. Therefore, the client reporting an increase in mood suggests that the medication may be effective in managing their symptoms.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Give the medication: Administering expired medication poses potential risks to the client's safety and efficacy of treatment. Therefore, giving the medication is not appropriate.
B. Discard the medication: Expired medications may have decreased potency or even become harmful due to chemical changes over time. It is essential to discard expired medications to ensure client safety and maintain the effectiveness of treatment.
C. Notify the provider: While it's important to communicate issues related to medication administration to the healthcare provider, in this case, the expired medication should not be used regardless of provider notification.
D. Return the medication to the pharmacy: Returning expired medication to the pharmacy might be appropriate in some settings, but it is not the primary action to take in this situation. The priority is to ensure the client does not receive expired medication.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A pretreatment electroencephalogram (EEG) is not typically required before starting valproate therapy. EEGs may be used in the diagnosis and management of seizure disorders, but they are not a standard part of valproate therapy initiation.
B. High serum sodium levels are not associated with toxic levels of valproate. Instead, valproate can cause hyperammonemia, especially in individuals with urea cycle disorders.
C. Thyroid function tests are not typically required specifically for valproate therapy. However, valproate may interfere with thyroid hormone levels, so thyroid function tests might be ordered if there are symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
D. Monitoring liver function tests is essential when taking valproate because the medication can cause hepatotoxicity. Clients should have baseline liver function tests before starting valproate, followed by regular monitoring throughout treatment. If liver function test results indicate liver damage, the healthcare provider may adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication. Therefore, this is the correct instruction to provide to the client starting valproate therapy.
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