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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["8"]
Explanation
To calculate the flow rate in drops per minute (gtt/min), we first need to find the total number of drops (gtt) that will be infused over 3 hours and then divide by the total infusion time in minutes.
Given: Volume to infuse = 150 mL
Infusion time = 3 hours
Drop factor = 10 gtt/mL
First, let's find the total number of drops for the entire infusion:
Total drops = Volume × Drop factor
Total drops = 150 mL × 10 gtt/mL = 1500 drops
Now, let's find the infusion time in minutes: Infusion time (in minutes) = 3 hours × 60 minutes/hour = 180 minutes
Finally, let's calculate the flow rate:
Flow rate (gtt/min) = Total drops / Infusion time
Flow rate = 1500 drops / 180 minutes ≈ 8.33 gtt/min
Rounded to the nearest whole number, the nurse should set the manual IV infusion to deliver approximately 8 gtt/min.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Speaking to the provider about adding an MAOI to the current medication regimen: MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are typically considered as second- or third-line treatments due to their potential for serious side effects and interactions with other medications. It is not the first-line approach to managing depressive symptoms that have not improved with citalopram alone.
B. Telling the client that the provider will need to change citalopram to a different medication: It's premature to switch medications after only two weeks, as antidepressants often take several weeks to exert their full therapeutic effect. It's essential to allow adequate time for the current medication regimen to work before considering a change.
C. Explaining that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective: This is the most appropriate action. It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the delayed onset of action of antidepressants and reassure them that improvement may take time. Adjustments to the dosage or switching to a different medication would typically be considered if there is no improvement after a sufficient trial period.
D. Recommending a sleep study be done on the client: While sleep disturbances are common in depression, recommending a sleep study would be premature at this stage. It's essential to address the underlying depressive symptoms first, as they may contribute to the sleep disturbance.
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