A nurse is assessing a patient who has been taking sertraline for 2 weeks.
Which finding should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is effective?
The patient’s legs are not swollen.
The patient reports an improvement in mood.
The patient’s blood pressure is within the expected range.
The patient reports a recent weight loss.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While swelling in the legs can be a side effect of some medications, it is not a measure of the effectiveness of sertraline. Sertraline is an antidepressant, and its effectiveness would be measured by improvements in mood and behavior.
Choice B rationale
An improvement in mood is a key indicator that the sertraline is effective. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and other mood disorders. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Choice C rationale
While it’s important to monitor blood pressure in patients taking any medication, a blood pressure within the expected range is not specifically an indication of the effectiveness of sertraline.
Choice D rationale
Weight loss is not a primary indicator of the effectiveness of sertraline. While some patients may experience weight changes while taking this medication, it is not a measure of its effectiveness in treating depression or other mood disorders.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Drinking a full glass of water after taking the medication is a good practice when taking calcium carbonate antacids. This helps to ensure that the medication is fully swallowed and reaches the stomach, where it can neutralize stomach acid.
Choice B rationale
Limiting sodium intake is not directly related to the use of calcium carbonate antacids. While a low-sodium diet may be recommended for other health reasons, it is not a specific recommendation for patients taking this medication.
Choice C rationale
Consuming the medication alongside dairy products to enhance absorption is not recommended. Calcium carbonate antacids can interact with dairy products, potentially leading to an excessive intake of calcium.
Choice D rationale
Reducing dietary fiber to counteract the potential side effect of diarrhea is not a typical recommendation for patients taking calcium carbonate antacids. While calcium carbonate can cause constipation in some people, it does not typically cause diarrhea.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Nystagmus, which is involuntary eye movement, is not a common adverse effect of a platelet transfusion.
Choice B rationale
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with platelet transfusions.
Choice C rationale
Chills can be an adverse effect of a platelet transfusion. This could be a sign of a reaction to the transfusion, such as an allergic reaction or a febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction.
Choice D rationale
Hypothermia is not a common adverse effect of a platelet transfusion.
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