The nurse is planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
Family history of mental illness
Weight change in the last month.
Liver function laboratory results.
Recent use of other antidepressants.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale; Family history of mental illness is important information to consider when assessing the client's overall mental health history, but it is not directly related to the immediate safety and effectiveness of duloxetine.
Choice B rationale: Weight change in the last month is relevant to monitoring for side effects of duloxetine, but it is not as critical as assessing liver function, which directly impacts the metabolism of the medication.
Choice C rationale: When planning care for a client starting on duloxetine, it is most important for the nurse to obtain liver function laboratory results. Duloxetine is primarily metabolized in the liver, and it is important to assess the client's liver function before starting the medication to ensure that the liver can process the drug effectively and safely. Clients with impaired liver function may require dose adjustments or be at higher risk for adverse effects, so obtaining liver function test results is crucial for safe medication management.
Choice D rationale: Recent use of other antidepressants is essential to avoid potential drug interactions, but it is not the most critical piece of information compared to assessing liver function, which directly affects the client's ability to process duloxetine.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Checking the capillary glucose level is not relevant to the observation of yellow skin color. Jaundice is related to liver function, not glucose levels.
Choice B rationale: Oxygen saturation measurement is not relevant to the observation of yellow skin color. It is used to assess the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, not liver function.
Choice C rationale: Yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice) can be indicative of liver dysfunction or damage. Since the client takes acetaminophen for chronic pain, which is metabolized in the liver, the nurse should be concerned about potential hepatotoxicity. Reporting the findings to the healthcare provider is essential for further evaluation and management.
Choice D rationale: Reducing the medication dose is not appropriate without further evaluation and guidance from the healthcare provider. Jaundice may indicate liver dysfunction, and altering the medication without professional assessment could be unsafe.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is D.
Choice A rationale: While iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, it is not relevant to the administration of levothyroxine. The client does not need to consume foods high in iodine specifically for taking levothyroxine.
Choice B rationale: While iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine, this statement does not indicate that the client understands when to take levothyroxine correctly.
Choice C rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning, not at bedtime, to avoid interference with sleep and to optimize absorption.
Choice D rationale: Levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone replacement, should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, at least 30 minutes before eating. Taking it on an empty stomach maximizes its absorption and ensures optimal therapeutic effects.
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