A nurse is caring for a client who started taking amitriptyline 6 days ago.
The client reports that the medication is not helping.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"I will inform your provider so she can prescribe a different medication.”
"You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach for it to be more effective.”
"You will need to wait a couple of weeks to feel the therapeutic effect of the medication.”
"I will ask your provider to increase the dose of the medication.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
While it’s important for the provider to be informed if the medication isn’t working, it’s premature to change the medication after only 6 days.
Choice B rationale:
Amitriptyline does not need to be taken on an empty stomach to be effective.
Choice C rationale:
Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, often takes several weeks before a therapeutic effect is felt.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing the dose prematurely can lead to unnecessary side effects. It’s better to wait for the medication to take effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Two loose stools in the past 24 hours could be a symptom of Clostridioides difficile infection, but it’s not necessarily a priority finding. The infection can cause diarrhea, but it’s not life-threatening.
Choice B rationale:
A WBC count of 11,000/mm³ is slightly elevated, indicating a possible infection. However, it’s not necessarily a priority finding as it’s not significantly high.
Choice C rationale:
A heart rate of 104/min is slightly elevated, indicating possible stress or anxiety. However, it’s not necessarily a priority finding as it’s not significantly high.
Choice D rationale:
Creatinine level of 3.1 mg/dL is significantly high, indicating possible kidney damage, which can be a side effect of vancomycin treatment. This should be reported to the provider immediately.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While it’s important for the provider to be informed if the medication isn’t working, it’s premature to change the medication after only 6 days.
Choice B rationale:
Amitriptyline does not need to be taken on an empty stomach to be effective.
Choice C rationale:
Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, often takes several weeks before a therapeutic effect is felt.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing the dose prematurely can lead to unnecessary side effects. It’s better to wait for the medication to take effect.
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