A patient has been taking paroxetine (Paxil) 20 mg per day for 2 weeks and reports headaches, nervousness, and poor appetite.
Which action should the nurse take?

Reassure the patient that these side effects will decrease over time.

Tell the patient to stop taking the drug and contact the provider.

Counsel the patient to take the medication with food.

Suggest that the patient discuss a lower dose with the provider.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

This choice is correct. The side effects of paroxetine, including headaches, nervousness, and poor appetite, are common during the initial weeks of treatment and often decrease over time as the patient’s body adjusts to the medication. Reassuring the patient helps them continue the treatment without undue anxiety about these side effects, which are typically transient and manageable.

Choice B rationale

This choice is incorrect. Abruptly stopping paroxetine without consulting a healthcare provider is not recommended because it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a possible relapse of depression or anxiety. The patient should only discontinue the medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who may suggest a gradual tapering off process to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Choice C rationale

This choice is partially correct. Taking paroxetine with food can help mitigate some gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea. However, it does not directly address headaches, nervousness, or poor appetite. Although taking the medication with food is a useful tip, it is not the most comprehensive advice for this particular situation.

Choice D rationale

This choice is incorrect. While adjusting the dose may be an option, it is premature to suggest this after only two weeks of treatment. The patient’s body may still be adjusting to the medication, and many side effects diminish with time. The decision to change the dosage should be made by the healthcare provider based on a thorough evaluation of the patient’s response to the treatment.

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 D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Vitamin E is an antioxidant and is not indicated to counteract the effects of warfarin. It does not have a role in reversing anticoagulation or managing bleeding. High doses of Vitamin E can actually interfere with clotting and potentially exacerbate bleeding.

Choice B rationale

Protamine Sulfate is an antidote for heparin, not warfarin. It works by neutralizing the effects of heparin, which is an anticoagulant that acts quickly to prevent clot formation. Warfarin works differently and requires a different antidote for its anticoagulant effect.

Choice C rationale

Calcium Gluconate is not an antidote for warfarin. It is typically used in cases of hypocalcemia and can stabilize cardiac membranes in hyperkalemia but has no effect on reversing warfarin-induced anticoagulation or bleeding.

Choice D rationale

Vitamin K is the correct antidote for warfarin. It counteracts the anticoagulant effects by promoting the synthesis of clotting factors that warfarin inhibits. Administering Vitamin K is standard practice in reversing the effects of warfarin and managing bleeding complications.

A. No special precautions need to be taken. B. The use of spermicidal jellies is recommended. C. The minipill is the contraceptive of choice. D. Use barrier contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking these drugs.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale

ACE inhibitors can cause teratogenic effects, meaning they can harm a developing fetus. Therefore, precautions should be taken to avoid pregnancy while taking these drugs.

Choice B rationale

Spermicidal jellies alone are not a highly reliable form of contraception. For women taking ACE inhibitors, a more reliable method of contraception is recommended to prevent pregnancy.

Choice C rationale

The minipill, a progestin-only contraceptive, is not the contraceptive of choice when the risk of teratogenic effects from ACE inhibitors is considered. Barrier methods are preferred to avoid potential drug interactions.

Choice D rationale

Barrier contraception, such as condoms or diaphragms, is recommended for women taking ACE inhibitors to prevent pregnancy due to the teratogenic risk associated with these drugs.

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 taking paroxetine (Paxil) 20 mg per day for 2 weeks and reports headaches, nervousness, and poor appetite.Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse discovers a patient receiving warfarin is bleeding.What drug would the nurse prepare to counteract this drug?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a 27-year-old African American woman who was just prescribed an ACE inhibitor for the management of her hypertension.What should be advised related to contraception?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to care for a patient who has myasthenia gravis.The nurse will be alert to symptoms affecting which body system in the patient?

A geriatric patient received a narcotic analgesic before leaving the post-anesthesia care unit to return to the regular unit.What is the priority nursing action for the nurse receiving the patient on the regular unit?

What assessment finding would indicate the patient's left-sided heart failure is worsening?

The nurse is conducting an admission assessment on a patient.When collecting data relating to the medications, the nurse asks “What medications are you taking?” After collecting that information, what other queries should the nurse ask? Select all that apply.

A nurse is instructing a pregnant patient concerning the potential risk to her fetus from a pregnancy category B drug.What would the nurse inform the patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving warfarin and notes bruising and petechiae on the patient's extremities.The nurse will request an order for which?

A patient has symptoms that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis (MS). Which diagnostic tests are likely to be ordered to aid in the diagnosis of this patient?

The nurse is preparing to assist with blood collection on a newly admitted patient who has been taking phenytoin for several years.The provider has ordered a complete blood count and liver function tests.Which other blood test will the nurse discuss with the provider?

A patient has been taking paroxetine (Paxil) 20 mg per day for 2 weeks and reports headaches, nervousness, and poor appetite.
Which action should the nurse take?