What is the common mechanism of action for all antidepressants, whether they are SSRIs or tricyclics?

Increase efficacy of GABA in limbic system and cortex

Block reuptake of norepinephrine and/or serotonin

Antagonize dopamine receptors on postsynaptic membrane

Antagonize serotonin receptors on postsynaptic membrane

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, is not the primary target of antidepressants like SSRIs or tricyclics. These drugs focus on monoamines (serotonin, norepinephrine). GABAergic drugs, like benzodiazepines, treat anxiety, not depression. This statement is inaccurate, as antidepressants do not enhance GABA efficacy in the limbic system or cortex.

Choice B reason: SSRIs and tricyclics block reuptake of serotonin and/or norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft, increasing their availability to stimulate postsynaptic receptors. This enhances monoamine signaling, alleviating depressive symptoms. This statement is accurate, as reuptake inhibition is the shared mechanism across these antidepressant classes, targeting mood-regulating neurotransmitters.

Choice C reason: Dopamine receptor antagonism is not a mechanism of antidepressants but is associated with antipsychotics like haloperidol. While some antidepressants indirectly affect dopamine, it is not their primary action. This statement is inaccurate, as SSRIs and tricyclics focus on serotonin and norepinephrine, not dopamine receptor blockade.

Choice D reason: Antagonizing serotonin receptors would reduce serotonin signaling, counteracting antidepressant effects. SSRIs and tricyclics increase serotonin availability via reuptake inhibition, not receptor blockade. This statement is inaccurate, as blocking serotonin receptors is not a mechanism of action for these depression treatments.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Reasoning:

Choice A reason: Levothyroxine (T4) replacement requires TSH monitoring to ensure adequate dosing, as TSH reflects thyroid function. T3 replacement also requires monitoring, but T3 is less commonly used due to its short half-life. This statement is inaccurate, as TSH monitoring is essential for T4 therapy.

Choice B reason: The body converts levothyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) via deiodinase enzymes in peripheral tissues, restoring both hormone levels. T3 replacement is unnecessary, as T4 provides a stable precursor for T3 production, making this statement accurate for explaining hypothyroidism treatment rationale.

Choice C reason: T3 and T4 can be administered together in specific cases (e.g., combination therapy) without becoming inactive. However, T4 alone is standard due to its longer half-life and conversion to T3. This statement is inaccurate, as it falsely claims biochemical incompatibility between the hormones.

Choice D reason: T3 is the active thyroid hormone, not an inactive precursor to T4. T4 is converted to T3, which binds receptors to regulate metabolism. This statement is inaccurate, as it reverses the roles of T3 and T4 in thyroid hormone physiology and therapy.

A. Hard, formed stool B. Mostly liquid feces with mucus C. Soft, semi-formed stool D. Dry, pellet-like stool

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hard, formed stool is typical of descending or sigmoid colostomies, where the colon reabsorbs water. A transverse colostomy, located higher in the colon, has less water absorption, producing liquid stool. This statement is inaccurate, as transverse colostomy stool is not hard or formed.

Choice B reason: A transverse colostomy, located in the mid-colon, produces mostly liquid feces with mucus due to limited water reabsorption before the stoma. The proximal colon’s contents are less formed, and mucus from inflammation (common in IBD) is present, making this statement accurate for stool consistency.

Choice C reason: Soft, semi-formed stool is more typical of descending colostomies, where water absorption occurs longer. Transverse colostomies, higher in the colon, produce more liquid output due to shorter transit time. This statement is inaccurate, as it does not reflect transverse colostomy stool consistency.

Choice D reason: Dry, pellet-like stool is characteristic of constipation or distal colon output, not a transverse colostomy. The transverse colon’s contents are liquid due to minimal water reabsorption, especially in IBD with inflammation. This statement is inaccurate, as it misrepresents the expected stool consistency.

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What is the common mechanism of action for all antidepressants, whether they are SSRIs or tricyclics?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with hypothyroidism was prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid), a T4 replacement. The client was reading about hypothyroidism and asked the nurse why they are receiving only T4 replacement when hypothyroidism causes low T3 and T4 levels. What is the best response by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The client with inflammatory bowel disease is having surgery for a temporary colostomy. It will be a transverse colostomy, with the stoma located as shown. What will be the consistency of the stool from the colostomy?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a client with suspected Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Which word or statement is an accurate characteristic of GERD?

Insulin forces which electrolyte out of the plasma and into the cells?

Which type of bone fracture is likely to take the longest to heal?

A nurse is assessing a client for potential complications related to obesity. Which condition is the client most at risk for due to obesity?

Which statement about phenazopyridine (Pyridium) is accurate?

The nurse is designing interventions when using cognitive enhancers for clients with Alzheimer’s disease. Which statement is important to include?

The health care provider recommends daily fiber supplements for an elderly client who is experiencing frequent constipation. What statement is important for the nurse to include when educating a client about these supplements?

A client diagnosed with liver disease asks the nurse why the health care provider is changing the dose of the client’s medications. Which statement is the nurse’s best response?