Patient Data

Exhibits

Which home medication(s) may affect the amount of insulin needed by the client? Select all that apply.

A. Contact the healthcare provider (HCP) immediately if suicidal thoughts occur: Antidepressants like sertraline can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially during the early stages of treatment. Immediate reporting of such thoughts is critical to ensure the client’s safety and prevent harm.

B. Contact the healthcare provider (HCP) immediately if muscle stiffness occurs: Although rare, muscle stiffness could signal serotonin syndrome if occurs with a constellation of symptoms including confusion, agitation, fever, sweating and tremors, not just stiffness. Suicidal ideation presents a more immediate and life-threatening risk in clients starting antidepressants and requires the highest priority.

C. Increase activity level to include a daily exercise routine: While exercise is beneficial for managing depression, it is supportive therapy and not the most urgent teaching point compared to recognizing and reporting suicidal ideation associated with antidepressant use.

D. Avoid processed meats, red wine, and Swiss cheese: This dietary restriction is necessary when taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) to prevent hypertensive crises. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), so these dietary precautions are not required.

A. Gingko biloba use should be limited and not taken during pregnancy: While this is true, the client in question is using it for multiple sclerosis-related symptoms and not indicated to be pregnant. This point is valid but not the most immediate safety concern for her situation.

B. Nausea and diarrhea can occur when using this supplement: These are known side effects of ginkgo biloba but are generally mild and not life-threatening. They are less critical to emphasize than potentially dangerous drug interactions.

C. Anxiety and headaches increase with the use of ginkgo: While some users may experience headaches, the occurrence of anxiety is less common. These effects are not as significant or dangerous as those involving bleeding risks when ginkgo is combined with other medications.

D. Aspirin and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) interact with ginkgo: Ginkgo biloba has antiplatelet properties and can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with aspirin or NSAIDs. This interaction is potentially serious and is the most important safety information to provide.