Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is prescribed for an adult client who is clinically depressed.
The client is admitted to the hospital due to suicidal ideation five days after starting the medication.
The client informs the practical nurse (PN) that the medication isn’t working as suicidal thoughts persist.
What information should the PN provide?
A review of the medication regimen is required due to the poor drug response.
A dosage increase may be needed, which requires in-hospital evaluation.
Therapy sessions may be needed to enhance the medication’s action on depression.
Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective. Choice A rationale While it’s important to review the medication regimen if a patient is not responding to treatment, it’s also crucial to understand that antidepressants like amitriptyline don’t typically show their full effects immediately. It’s common for these medications to take several weeks before their full therapeutic effect becomes apparent. Choice B rationale A dosage increase may be considered if the patient shows no improvement after a sufficient period, typically several weeks. However, since the patient has only been on the medication for five days, it’s too early to consider a dosage increase. Choice C rationale Therapy can indeed be beneficial in treating depression and can enhance the effect of medication. However, the statement that the medication isn’t working after five days is likely due to the fact that antidepressants usually take longer to start showing effects. Choice D rationale This is the correct answer. Antidepressants like amitriptyline often take 2 to 4 weeks to start showing their full effects. It’s important for patients to know this so they don’t get discouraged and stop taking the medication too soon.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Answer and explanation
The correct answer is B. If chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three
times at 5-minute intervals, call the emergency medical service (EMS).
Choice A rationale
While flushing, dizziness, and general body warmth can occur with each sublingual tablet
taken, these are side effects of the medication and not the primary intended effect. The main
purpose of nitroglycerin is to relieve chest pain associated with angina.
Choice B rationale
This is the most important instruction. Nitroglycerin is used to treat episodes of angina. If
chest pain is not relieved after taking one nitroglycerin tablet three times at 5-minute
intervals, it could indicate a more serious condition, such as a heart attack. In this case,
immediate medical attention is necessary.
Choice C rationale
A pounding headache is a common side effect of both the nitroglycerin patch and the
sublingual tablets. However, the presence of a headache does not indicate whether the
medication is effectively treating angina.
Choice D rationale
While it’s true that nitroglycerin patches are used for long-term prevention and sublingual
tablets are used for acute attacks, this is general information about the medication and not the
most important instruction for a patient who has been prescribed nitroglycerin.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Antiretroviral medications can indeed decrease Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) related complications. These medications work by blocking the replication of the HIV virus, thereby reducing the viral load in the body. This allows the immune system to recover and fight off infections and diseases that are associated with AIDS12.
Choice B rationale
This statement is correct. While antiretroviral medications are highly effective in managing HIV infection, they do not cure the disease. The primary goal of antiretroviral therapy is to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, but this does not mean the virus is completely eliminated from the body. HIV remains in latent reservoirs within the body, and if antiretroviral therapy is stopped, the virus can rebound.
Choice C rationale
Antiretroviral medications can decrease the viral load to an undetectable level. This means that the amount of HIV in the blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard blood tests. Achieving an undetectable viral load is a key goal of antiretroviral therapy as it indicates that the treatment is working effectively.
Choice D rationale
While antiretroviral medications significantly reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, they do not completely prevent it. Having an undetectable viral load greatly reduces the risk of transmission, but it does not eliminate it. Therefore, other preventive measures, such as using condoms and practicing safe sex, should still be followed.
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