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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

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. “Avoid driving or operating machinery while taking this medication.” B. “Take this medication on an empty stomach to increase absorption.” C. “Drink plenty of fluids and suck on hard candy to prevent dry mouth.” D. “Report any signs of urinary retention or difficulty urinating.”

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate (Lithobid). Which of the following laboratory values should be monitored regularly while taking this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has been prescribed hydroxyzine (Vistaril) for anxiety and pruritus due to an allergic reaction. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for imipramine (Tofranil). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

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

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for buspirone to treat anxiety. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and exhibits a lack of grooming and a flat affect. The nurse should anticipate a prescription of which of the following medications?

A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is prescribed lamotrigine (Lamictal). Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia and is taking risperidone (Risperdal). Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to a potential adverse effect of this medication? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking lorazepam (Ativan) for anxiety and insomnia for several months. The client tells the nurse that he wants to stop taking the medication because he feels better now. Which of the following responses should the nurse give?