The nurse is caring for a client being treated for depression. The nurse understands that a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) would be chosen as a first-line treatment option over a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) for which of the following reasons?
To help prevent sexual dysfunction
To avoid weight gain and other gastrointestinal (GI) effects
To prevent the risk of serotonin syndrome
To reduce the risk of suicide with overdose
The Correct Answer is D
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) would be chosen as a first-line treatment option over a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) for several reasons, including reducing the risk of suicide with overdose ³. TCAs have a higher potential for serious or fatal toxicity when taken in large amounts compared to SSRIs ³.
Option A is incorrect because SSRIs can cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect.
Option B is incorrect because both SSRIs and TCAs can cause weight gain and gastrointestinal (GI) effects.
Option C is incorrect because SSRIs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that can be used as an antidote for lorazepam overdose ¹. It works by reversing the effects of benzodiazepines such as lorazepam ¹.
Option A is not correct because naloxone is an opioid antagonist and is not used to treat benzodiazepine overdose.
Option B is not correct because acetylcysteine is used to treat acetaminophen overdose and is not used to treat benzodiazepine overdose.
Option C is not correct because physostigmine is used to treat anticholinergic toxicity and is not used to treat benzodiazepine overdose.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
An accidental administration of a dose greater than recommended can result in toxicity. This means that the medication reaches harmful levels in the body and can cause damage to organs or other adverse effects.
Option A is incorrect because an overdose is more likely to increase side effects rather than decrease them.
Option B is incorrect because a lowered therapeutic threshold means that a lower dose of medication is needed to achieve the desired effect, which is not related to an overdose.
Option D is incorrect because an overdose can increase the effectiveness of the medication to dangerous levels, rather than decrease it.
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