A nurse is providing education to a patient with MDD who has been prescribed an atypical antidepressant. What should the nurse emphasize as a key aspect of medication adherence?
Taking the medication only as needed.
Taking the medication on an empty stomach.
Reporting any side effects to the healthcare provider.
Stopping the medication abruptly if side effects occur.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice C rationale:
The nurse should emphasize the importance of reporting any side effects to the healthcare provider when educating a patient with MDD who has been prescribed an atypical antidepressant. Side effects can vary from person to person, and prompt reporting allows the healthcare provider to monitor and manage any adverse reactions effectively.
Choice A Rationale:
Choice A (Taking the medication only as needed) is incorrect because atypical antidepressants, like other antidepressants, need to be taken consistently as prescribed. Taking them as needed may not provide the sustained therapeutic levels required to manage MDD effectively.
Choice B Rationale:
Choice B (Taking the medication on an empty stomach) is not a key aspect of medication adherence for atypical antidepressants. While some medications do require administration on an empty stomach, this is not a general guideline for all antidepressants.
Choice D Rationale:
Choice D (Stopping the medication abruptly if side effects occur) is incorrect. Abruptly stopping an antidepressant, including atypical ones, can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a sudden return of depressive symptoms. Discontinuation should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional and usually involves tapering the dose.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While mood stabilizers are often used in combination with antidepressants for individuals with bipolar disorder, it's not an absolute requirement that antidepressants always be used alongside mood stabilizers. The choice to combine these medications depends on the individual's specific presentation and needs.
Choice B rationale:
Antidepressants can induce or worsen manic or hypomanic symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder. This phenomenon is known as "switching" and can lead to a rapid shift from a depressive state to a manic or hypomanic state. Therefore, careful consideration is needed when prescribing antidepressants to individuals with bipolar disorder to avoid triggering manic episodes.
Choice C rationale:
Antidepressants are not the primary treatment for acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Antipsychotic medications and mood stabilizers are more commonly used to address the manic symptoms and stabilize the individual's mood during such episodes.
Choice D rationale:
Antidepressants, like all medications, have the potential for causing side effects. They can lead to a range of adverse effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms, changes in sleep patterns, and sexual dysfunction, among others. Monitoring for and managing these potential side effects is important in providing comprehensive care to individuals taking antidepressants.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Taking the medication with alcohol is not recommended. Alcohol can interact negatively with antidepressants, including SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). It can increase the risk of side effects and potentially reduce the effectiveness of the medication. In some cases, alcohol can also worsen depression symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Avoiding taking the medication with food is not the best advice. While some medications might require specific instructions regarding food intake, SSRIs are generally taken with food to help minimize potential stomach upset. Therefore, instructing the client to take the medication with food would be more appropriate.
Choice C rationale:
(Correct Choice) Instructing the client to report any side effects or suicidal thoughts is crucial when starting antidepressant treatment. SSRIs and other antidepressants can have side effects, some of which might be serious or bothersome. Additionally, there's a potential risk of increased suicidal ideation, especially in the initial stages of treatment. Monitoring for any changes in mood, behavior, or physical symptoms is important for ensuring the client's safety.
Choice D rationale:
Stopping the medication if symptoms improve within a week is not recommended. It takes time for antidepressants to start showing their full effects. Improvements within the first week are unlikely to be significant, and stopping the medication abruptly can lead to a recurrence of symptoms or even withdrawal effects. The client should be advised to continue taking the medication as prescribed and to follow up with their healthcare provider if there are concerns.
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