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.

Answer and Explanation

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 ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Assessing the patient's medical history is crucial in understanding potential risk factors for suicide in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Various medical conditions and medications can contribute to depression and increase the risk of suicidal ideation. By gathering this information, the nurse can identify any factors that might exacerbate the patient's condition.

Choice B rationale:

Monitoring the patient's response to treatment is essential for assessing the effectiveness of interventions and identifying any signs of worsening depression or increased suicidal risk. Certain treatments, like antidepressant medications, might initially increase the risk of suicide in some patients. Therefore, close monitoring is needed to ensure patient safety.

Choice C rationale:

Asking direct questions about suicidal thoughts is a critical component of assessing suicide risk in patients with MDD. Openly addressing this topic allows the nurse to gauge the patient's current state of mind, explore the presence and severity of suicidal ideation, and take appropriate actions if the patient expresses active suicidal thoughts.

Choice D rationale:

Providing a list of local crisis helplines can be beneficial, but it is not a component of the nursing assessment for suicide risk in patients with MDD. While offering resources is important, the immediate focus should be on assessing the patient's condition and potential risk factors.

Choice E rationale:

Encouraging the patient to isolate themselves is not an appropriate action when assessing suicide risk in patients with MDD. Social isolation can exacerbate depressive symptoms and increase the risk of suicide. Therefore, promoting social connection and support is essential, rather than encouraging isolation.

A. Take the medication with alcohol to enhance its effects. B. Avoid taking the medication with food. C. Report any side effects or suicidal thoughts. D. Stop the medication if symptoms improve within a week.

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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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

(Select all that apply): A nurse is providing care to a patient with MDD. Which of the following are components of nursing assessment for suicide risk in patients with MDD? (Select three).

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]

Explanation

A client with MDD has been prescribed an SSRI antidepressant. The nurse should instruct the client to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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