A patient has been prescribed an SSRI for depression and reports feeling more anxious 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 an anxiolytic medication.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and sedation as side effects.Therefore, the client should avoid activities that require alertness and coordination while taking this medication.
Choice B is wrong because hydroxyzine can be taken with or without food.Taking it on an empty stomach does not increase absorption.
Choice C is wrong because hydroxyzine can cause dry mouth as a side effect, but the client does not need to drink plenty of fluids or suck on hard candy to prevent it.These measures may help relieve the discomfort of dry mouth, but they are not necessary instructions for taking hydroxyzine.
Choice D is wrong because hydroxyzine does not cause urinary retention or difficulty urinating as side effects.These are signs of anticholinergic toxicity, which can occur with other medications such as tricyclic antidepressants or antipsychotics.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
The client should avoid foods that are high in tyramine while taking phenelzine, which is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression. Tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis when combined with MAOIs.
Choice B is wrong because shrimp is not high in tyramine and can be safely consumed by the client.
Choice D is wrong because raisins are not high in tyramine and can be safely consumed by the client.
Some examples of foods that are high in tyramine are avocado, cheddar cheese, pepperoni, aged meats, smoked fish, soy sauce, sauerkraut, beer, and red wine.
The normal range for blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmHg.A hypertensive crisis is defined as a systolic blood pressure of 180 mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg or higher.The client should monitor their blood pressure regularly and report any signs of a hypertensive crisis, such as severe headache, chest pain, blurred vision, nausea, or confusion.
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