A nurse is educating a patient who is starting a new antidepressant medication. Which statement by the nurse is most accurate regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with antidepressant use?
"The risk of suicidal thoughts is highest during the first few weeks of treatment."
"Antidepressants eliminate the risk of suicidal thoughts in all patients."
"Suicidal thoughts are a common side effect experienced by most patients."
"Suicidal thoughts only occur in patients with a history of suicide attempts."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "The risk of suicidal thoughts is highest during the first few weeks of treatment.": This is the most accurate statement. During the initial weeks of antidepressant therapy, especially in adolescents and young adults, the risk of suicidal ideation may increase as energy levels improve before mood stabilizes. Close monitoring during this period is critical.
B. "Antidepressants eliminate the risk of suicidal thoughts in all patients.": While antidepressants help many patients, they do not eliminate the risk of suicidal thoughts. Some individuals may continue to experience or even develop new suicidal ideation, particularly early in treatment.
C. "Suicidal thoughts are a common side effect experienced by most patients.": Suicidal ideation is a serious but not common side effect. It occurs in a subset of patients, particularly younger individuals, and must be monitored closely, but it is not experienced by the majority.
D. "Suicidal thoughts only occur in patients with a history of suicide attempts.": Suicidal ideation can develop in individuals without a previous history. Risk factors include age, underlying psychiatric conditions, and individual response to medication—not just past behavior.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I will need to take this medication for several weeks before noticing its full effects.": Buspirone is an anxiolytic that works by modulating serotonin and dopamine receptors. Unlike benzodiazepines, it has a delayed onset of action, typically requiring 2–4 weeks of consistent use to achieve its full therapeutic benefit.
B. "If I don't feel better after one week, I will stop taking the medication.": Stopping Buspirone prematurely can prevent the medication from reaching its full effect. It requires patient adherence and time for therapeutic levels to build; discontinuation should only be under a provider’s guidance.
C. "I should feel less anxious within an hour of taking the first dose.": Buspirone does not provide immediate relief of anxiety symptoms. It is not effective for acute anxiety or panic attacks due to its slow onset and gradual buildup in the system.
D. "I can use this medication as needed when I feel a panic attack coming on.": Buspirone is not intended for PRN (as-needed) use. It must be taken on a scheduled basis to maintain steady blood levels and is not useful for rapid symptom relief in panic situations.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Triptans should be administered only after other pain medications have been tried: Triptans are first-line agents for moderate to severe migraines and do not require prior use of other analgesics. Delaying their use can reduce effectiveness and prolong the migraine episode.
B. Triptans should be administered at the onset of aura symptoms: Triptans are not recommended during the aura phase, especially for patients with migraines that involve motor or sensory auras, due to concerns about vasoconstrictive effects before pain begins. They are intended for use when headache pain starts.
C. Triptans are most effective when taken early in the migraine attack, at the onset of pain: Triptans work by stimulating serotonin receptors, causing cranial vasoconstriction and reducing neurogenic inflammation. They are most effective when taken as soon as the headache phase begins, not during aura or late in the attack.
D. Triptans can be safely administered every hour until pain relief is achieved: Triptans have strict dosing intervals due to their vasoconstrictive properties, and exceeding recommended doses can lead to cardiovascular complications. They should not be taken more frequently than prescribed.
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