A patient with depression who is taking a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) reports frequent early morning awakening and difficulty going back to sleep.
Which information from the patient is important for the Practical Nurse (PN) to obtain to improve the patient’s sleep pattern?
The patient enjoys eating aged cheeses.
The patient takes medication upon rising.
The patient reports frequent dryness in the mouth.
The patient soaks in a warm bath at night.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While aged cheeses can interact with certain medications, they are not known to interact with tricyclic antidepressants or to have a significant impact on sleep patterns.
Choice B rationale
The timing of medication administration can significantly impact sleep patterns. If the patient is taking their medication upon rising, it could potentially be interfering with their sleep.
Choice C rationale
Dry mouth is a common side effect of tricyclic antidepressants. However, it is not typically associated with early morning awakening or difficulty returning to sleep.
Choice D rationale
Soaking in a warm bath at night can actually help promote sleep by raising the body’s core temperature and then allowing it to drop, which can trigger feelings of sleepiness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice C rationale
Keratolytics are medications designed to dissolve skin flakes and scales. In the treatment of psoriasis, a condition characterized by thick, scaly patches of skin, the desired effect of a keratolytic would be to soften and reduce these scales.
Choice A rationale
While no purulent drainage present from lesions on the legs could be a positive sign in the treatment of psoriasis, it is not a direct result of the keratolytic properties of the applied preparation.
Choice B rationale
Affected areas being free of localized redness and swelling could be a positive sign in the treatment of psoriasis, but it is not a direct result of the keratolytic properties of the applied preparation.
Choice D rationale
Full range of motion without pain of lower extremity joints is not a direct result of the keratolytic properties of the applied preparation. It could be a positive sign in the overall treatment of psoriasis, but it is not directly related to the use of a keratolytic.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Headaches are a common side effect of many medications and do not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, if the headache is severe or persistent, it should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale
Difficulty sleeping is not typically associated with propranolol. While it can occur, it is not a common side effect and is not usually a cause for concern.
Choice C rationale
Palpitations, or a feeling of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heart, can be a sign of an irregular heartbeat, which can be a serious side effect of propranolol. This is because propranolol is a beta-blocker, a type of drug that can slow heart rate and reduce the force of heart contractions. Therefore, if a patient reports palpitations, the healthcare provider should be notified before the next dose of propranolol is given.
Choice D rationale
Nausea is a common side effect of many medications, including propranolol. However, it is usually mild and temporary. If the nausea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, the healthcare provider should be notified.
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