A physician has prescribed an antidepressant medication for a 15-year-old client, Which statement would be appropriate for inclusion in medication teaching?

Here's the explanation for why this is the correct answer and why the other choices are incorrect:
A. "There may be an increased risk of socialization while taking this drug": This statement is not appropriate because it does not provide accurate information about the potential side effects or risks associated with antidepressant medications. Antidepressants can affect a person's mood and behavior, but it is not about an increased risk of socialization.
B. "Clients may lose all inhibitions while on this drug": This statement is not appropriate and is not an accurate description of the effects of antidepressant medications. It could lead to misconceptions and misunderstanding of the medication's effects. Antidepressants aim to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression but do not cause a loss of inhibitions.
C. "There may be an increased risk of suicide while taking this drug": This is the correct statement. It is crucial to inform patients and their families that some antidepressant medications can initially increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in adolescents and young adults. This warning is included in the black box warning of many antidepressants.
D. "If you miss a dose of this drug, double the dose the next time you take it": This statement is incorrect and dangerous advice. Doubling the dose of an antidepressant if a dose is missed can lead to overdose or adverse effects. Patients should be instructed to take the missed dose as soon as they remember or follow the specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider or on the medication label.

In summary, option C is the best answer because it provides important information about the potential risk of increased suicidal thoughts or behaviors associated with some antidepressant medications in adolescents. This is a critical warning that healthcare providers should communicate to patients and their families.

A. Placing the client on one-on-one observation while monitoring for suicidal ideations.
In the scenario described, the client is experiencing auditory hallucinations that command self-harm and is refusing to commit to a safety plan. Given the immediate risk of self-harm, the highest level of observation and safety measures is required. Placing the client on one-on-one observation means that a staff member will be with the client continuously to monitor for any suicidal ideations or actions and provide immediate support and intervention if necessary.
B. Conducting 15-minute checks is a useful safety measure but may not provide the same level of immediate support and intervention as one-on-one observation.
C. Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings related to suicide is an essential therapeutic communication approach but may not be effective when the client is actively experiencing auditory hallucinations commanding self-harm.
D. Completing a room search to ensure there are no harmful objects available to the client is a standard safety procedure, but it does not address the immediate need for observation and intervention when the client is actively at risk of self-harm.