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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Many complementary or alternative therapies can interact with prescribed medications, potentially causing serious health problems.
Choice B rationale
This is not a valid reason for asking about alternative therapies, as the nurse's role is to ensure safe and effective use of prescribed medications.
Choice C rationale
Non-compliance is not the primary concern when asking about alternative therapies; potential interactions are.
Choice D rationale
The cost of treatments is a consideration, but it is not the primary reason for asking about alternative therapies.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Parkinson's disease is characterized by an imbalance of dopamine and acetylcholine, primarily due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. This imbalance results in the characteristic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.
Choice B rationale
Parkinson's disease involves decreased dopamine production, not increased. The disease is caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to reduced dopamine levels and an imbalance with acetylcholine.
Choice C rationale
Alzheimer's disease is not primarily characterized by a decrease in dopamine. Instead, it involves the degeneration of cholinergic neurons and a deficiency in acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory and cognitive functions.
Choice D rationale
Alzheimer's disease is associated with a deficiency of acetylcholine rather than an excess. The disease is also characterized by the presence of neuritic plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which contribute to cognitive decline.
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