A patient has been prescribed an SNRI for depression and reports feeling more fatigued since starting the medication. The nurse should:

Discontinue the medication immediately.

Increase the dose of the medication.

Encourage the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed.

Administer a stimulant medication.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

This is because fatigue is a common side effect of SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) that usually improves over time. SNRIs are a type of antidepressant that work by correcting chemical imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain.

Choice A is wrong because Discontinue the medication immediately is wrong because abruptly stopping an SNRI can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, and dizziness.

The patient should consult with their provider before stopping or changing their medication.

Choice B is wrong because Increase the dose of the medication is wrong because increasing the dose of an SNRI can increase the risk of adverse effects such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction.

The patient should follow the prescribed dose and not adjust it without medical advice.

Choice D is wrong because Administer a stimulant medication is wrong because stimulant medications can interact with SNRIs and cause serious problems such as serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, confusion, fever, and muscle rigidity. The patient should avoid taking any other medications without consulting their provider.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Serum lithium levels should be monitored regularly while taking this medication because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause toxicity if the levels are too high or ineffective if the levels are too low.The normal range for serum lithium levels is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L (0.6 to 1.2 mmol/L).

Choice A is wrong because blood glucose levels are not affected by lithium and do not need to be monitored regularly.

Choice B is wrong because serum potassium levels are not affected by lithium and do not need to be monitored regularly.

Choice D is wrong because serum calcium levels are not affected by lithium and do not need to be monitored regularly.

A. Discontinue the medication immediately. B. Increase the dose of the medication. C. Encourage the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed. D. Administer an anxiolytic medication.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is because SSRIs can cause increased anxiety in some patients during the first few weeks of treatment, but this usually subsides as the medication takes effect.Discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the depression.Increasing the dose of the medication is not advisable without consulting the prescriber, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects and serotonin syndrome.Administering an anxiolytic medication may interact with the SSRI and cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.

Choice A is wrong because discontinuing the medication immediately can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the depression.

Choice B is wrong because increasing the dose of the medication is not advisable without consulting the prescriber, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects and serotonin syndrome.

Choice D is wrong because administering an anxiolytic medication may interact with the SSRI and cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.

Normal ranges for SSRIs vary depending on the specific drug, but generally they are between 20 and 200 ng/mL.The therapeutic effects of SSRIs usually take 3 to 6 weeks to appear.

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A patient has been prescribed an SNRI for depression and reports feeling more fatigued since starting the medication. The nurse should:

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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