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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While nicotine use is a health concern, it does not directly relate to the safety of atorvastatin (Lipitor). However, smoking cessation is advisable for overall cardiovascular health.
Choice B rationale
Caffeine intake is not a primary concern related to the safety of atorvastatin. Monitoring other lifestyle factors like diet and exercise is more relevant.
Choice C rationale
Herbal therapy may interact with atorvastatin, but the primary safety concern is alcohol intake, which can increase the risk of liver damage when combined with atorvastatin.
Choice D rationale
Alcohol consumption is a significant concern when taking atorvastatin, as it can increase the risk of liver damage. Patients are advised to limit alcohol intake to prevent adverse effects. .
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This choice is incorrect. Cholinergic agonists primarily affect acetylcholine receptors, not GABA receptors. GABA receptors are involved in the inhibitory neurotransmission in the central nervous system and are the target of different drug classes, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which are not related to cholinergic agonists.
Choice B rationale
This choice is incorrect. Cholinergic agonists do not decrease norepinephrine activity. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter involved in the sympathetic nervous system response, which is different from the cholinergic system. Drugs that decrease norepinephrine activity would have a different mechanism of action, such as adrenergic antagonists.
Choice C rationale
This choice is incorrect. The primary action of cholinergic agonists is not to increase dopamine activity. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter involved in various brain functions, including reward and motor control. Cholinergic agonists specifically target acetylcholine receptors, enhancing their activity, which is not related to dopamine receptors.
Choice D rationale
This choice is correct. Cholinergic agonists increase the activity of acetylcholine receptor sites throughout the body. These drugs mimic the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which regulates functions such as muscle contraction, gland secretion, and heart rate. Enhancing acetylcholine activity helps in conditions like myasthenia gravis and certain types of glaucoma.
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