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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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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 A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to relieve pain and reduce
inflammation. It is not typically part of the H. pylori treatment regimen.
Choice B rationale
Famotidine is a type of medication called a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs are often used in
the treatment of H. pylori because they reduce the production of stomach acid, which makes
the environment more conducive for antibiotics to work.
Choice C rationale
Loperamide is a medication used to treat diarrhea. It is not typically part of the H. pylori
treatment regimen.
Choice D rationale
Ipratropium is a medication used to treat bronchospasm associated with COPD and is not
related to H. pylori treatment.

A. The patient enjoys eating aged cheeses. B. The patient takes medication upon rising. C. The patient reports frequent dryness in the mouth. D. The patient soaks in a warm bath at night.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While aged cheeses can interact with certain medications, they are not known to interact with tricyclic antidepressants or to have a significant impact on sleep patterns.

Choice B rationale

The timing of medication administration can significantly impact sleep patterns. If the patient is taking their medication upon rising, it could potentially be interfering with their sleep.

Choice C rationale

Dry mouth is a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants. However, it is not typically associated with early morning awakening or difficulty returning to sleep.

Choice D rationale

Soaking in a warm bath at night can actually help promote sleep by raising the body’s core temperature and then allowing it to drop, which can trigger feelings of sleepiness.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Prior to administering the H. pylori treatment regimen, which medication should the practical nurse (PN) check in the electronic medical record?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A patient with depression who is taking a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) reports frequent early morning awakening and difficulty going back to sleep. Which information from the patient is important for the Practical Nurse (PN) to obtain to improve the patient’s sleep pattern?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient with angina pectoris has been discharged with a new prescription for nitroglycerin tablets. What is the most important instruction for the practical nurse (PN) to emphasize to the patient regarding the administration of nitroglycerin?

A patient with an overactive bladder has recently started taking oxybutynin. What observation should the practical nurse (PN) report to the charge nurse during the patient’s assessment prior to administering the medication?

A client with diabetic peripheral neuropathy receives a new prescription for pregabalin. To assess the effectiveness of the medication, which action should the practical nurse (PN) include when assessing the client’s feet?

A patient has been prescribed intravenous (IV) famotidine. Which observation would indicate to the practical nurse (PN) that the medication is having the desired effect?

Four hours after administering promethazine to a male patient, the practical nurse (PN) takes his temperature. When the patient asks the PN about the reason for taking his temperature, how should the PN respond?

A client who is taking sildenafil 50 mg by mouth (PO) as needed (PRN), reports experiencing visual changes to the practical nurse (PN). Which instruction should the PN give to the client?