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 C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Cyclosporine is a medication used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided by patients taking cyclosporine as it may alter the drug’s metabolism, making the drug’s actions unpredictable.
Choice A rationale
There is no specific restriction on consuming potatoes for patients taking cyclosporine.
Choice B rationale
There is no specific restriction on consuming eggs for patients taking cyclosporine.
Choice D rationale
There is no specific restriction on consuming spinach for patients taking cyclosporine.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While it is generally recommended to take prednisone with meals to reduce stomach upset, this is not the most important instruction regarding the dosing schedule.
Choice B rationale
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is often prescribed in a tapering schedule, meaning the dosage is gradually reduced over time. This is to allow the body to adjust and to minimize potential side effects, such as adrenal insufficiency, which can occur if prednisone is stopped suddenly.
Choice C rationale
While monitoring of blood glucose levels is important for patients taking prednisone, especially those with diabetes, as prednisone can increase blood sugar levels, it is not the most important instruction regarding the dosing schedule.
Choice D rationale
Monitoring of oral temperature daily is not typically required for patients taking prednisone.
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