A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking sertraline for 2 weeks. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication that the medication is effective?

The client's blood pressure is within the expected reference range.

The client's legs are not swollen.

The client reports a recent weight loss

The client reports increase in mood.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. The client's blood pressure is within the expected reference range - While blood pressure monitoring is important during treatment with certain medications, such as antihypertensives, it is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of sertraline, which is an antidepressant medication.

B. The client's legs are not swollen - Swelling of the legs may be a sign of fluid retention, which can occur with various conditions and medications. However, it is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of sertraline.

C. The client reports a recent weight loss - Weight changes, including weight loss or gain, can occur as side effects of sertraline. However, weight changes alone do not necessarily indicate the effectiveness of the medication in treating depression.

D. The client reports an increase in mood - Improvement in mood, reduction in depressive symptoms, and overall sense of well-being are primary indicators of the effectiveness of sertraline and other antidepressant medications in treating depression. Therefore, the client reporting an increase in mood suggests that the medication may be effective in managing their symptoms.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Here's the rationale for each option:

A. "Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving.": Alprazolam can cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function, so it's essential for clients to avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, while taking this medication. Providing this instruction promotes safety and prevents accidents.

B. "Monitor for peripheral edema.": Peripheral edema is not a common side effect of alprazolam. This instruction is not relevant to the use of this medication.

C. "Take this medication with a high-fat meal.": Alprazolam can be taken with or without food, but taking it with a high-fat meal may delay its absorption. Therefore, it is not necessary to instruct the client to take it with a high-fat meal, especially since this may affect the medication's effectiveness.

D. "Take this medication every night before sleep.": While alprazolam may be used to treat insomnia, it is not typically recommended for nightly use due to the risk of dependence and tolerance. Using it nightly can lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms if abruptly stopped. Therefore, this instruction is not appropriate.

A. "You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach." B. "You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea." C. "You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication." D. "You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach."

Lithium is typically taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Instructing the client to take it on an empty stomach would be incorrect.

B. "You will need to stop this medication if you experience diarrhea."

Diarrhea is not typically a reason to stop lithium therapy. However, persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which may affect lithium levels. It's essential for the client to report persistent diarrhea to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

C. "You will need to consume a low-salt diet while on this medication."

A low-salt diet is not typically recommended with lithium therapy. In fact, lithium can cause sodium depletion, so it's important for clients to maintain adequate salt intake unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.

D. "You will need your blood levels drawn weekly during the first month."

This statement is correct. Monitoring serum lithium levels is crucial to ensure the medication's effectiveness and prevent toxicity. Initially, frequent monitoring is necessary to establish the appropriate dosage and assess for any signs of toxicity. Weekly blood level checks during the first month of therapy are common practice.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking sertraline for 2 weeks. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication that the medication is effective?

Nursing Test Bank

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Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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