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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "It doesn't really matter what time you take your medications as long as you don't skip any doses": This statement is incorrect because adherence to the prescribed dosing schedule is crucial for the effectiveness of medications. Inconsistent timing of doses can lead to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes or potential adverse effects.

B. "Let's work together to devise a time schedule that is convenient for you on a daily basis": This is the most appropriate instruction. Collaborating with the client to establish a medication schedule that aligns with their daily routine increases the likelihood of adherence. It promotes patient autonomy and empowers the client to take ownership of their medication regimen.

C. "You really shouldn't change the schedule we established here in the facility": While maintaining consistency in medication administration times is important, rigidly adhering to a schedule established during the facility stay may not always be feasible or practical for the client at home. Flexibility in adjusting the schedule to fit the client's lifestyle is essential for long-term adherence.

D. "We'll have to talk to your provider about switching to an alternative schedule": Switching to an alternative schedule should be considered only if the current schedule is not feasible for the client or if it compromises medication adherence. However, exploring options for adapting the existing schedule to better suit the client's needs should be attempted first before considering a switch.

A. Dystonia B. Tardive dyskinesia C. Parkinsonism D. Akathisia

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Dystonia - Dystonia presents as sustained or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal, often repetitive, movements or postures. It is an acute extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine but typically manifests as sudden-onset muscle spasms rather than involuntary movements of the tongue and face.

B. Tardive dyskinesia - Tardive dyskinesia is a late-appearing movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, tongue, and limbs. It is associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine and typically develops after months to years of treatment.

C. Parkinsonism - Parkinsonism resembles Parkinson's disease and is characterized by symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. While antipsychotic medications can cause Parkinsonism as an adverse effect, it usually presents with symptoms different from those described in the scenario.

D. Akathisia - Akathisia is characterized by an inner feeling of restlessness and the urge to move, often accompanied by pacing and inability to sit still. It is an acute extrapyramidal side effect of antipsychotic medications but does not manifest as involuntary movements of the tongue and face as described in the scenario.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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