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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Minoxidil is an antihypertensive vasodilating agent used for resistant hypertension. It reduces peripheral resistance and produces a fall in blood pressure. One of the side effects of minoxidil can be mouth dryness. Therefore, mouth dryness can indicate that the minoxidil is having its intended therapeutic effect.
Choice B rationale
Dizziness while sitting up is not a therapeutic result of minoxidil. It could be a side effect or a symptom of orthostatic hypotension, which is a form of low blood pressure.
Choice C rationale
Blood glucose level of 218 mg/dl is not related to the therapeutic effect of minoxidil. Minoxidil is not used to control blood glucose levels. It’s used primarily to treat high blood pressure.
Choice D rationale
Pain rated at 1/10 is not a direct therapeutic result of minoxidil. Minoxidil is not an analgesic medication and does not directly affect pain levels.
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