A nurse is assessing a client who has major depressive disorder and is taking amitriptyline.

Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should include the statement, "Use a product with DEET on your skin and clothes when you are walking in a wooded area," in the educational program on Lyme disease. DEET is a widely used insect repellent effective against ticks. It is recommended to prevent tick bites in wooded and grassy areas. The rationale behind this choice is to educate the public about practical measures to reduce the risk of Lyme disease. DEET repels ticks, reducing the chances of tick attachment and, consequently, the transmission of Lyme disease.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "Symptoms of Lyme disease appear 2 days after being bitten by an infected tick," is incorrect. The incubation period for Lyme disease can vary from 3 to 30 days after the tick bite. Symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days but can take longer to manifest. Providing inaccurate information can lead to misunderstanding and inadequate preventive measures.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "Remove embedded ticks by squeezing the body with tweezers," is incorrect. Improper removal of ticks, such as squeezing the body, can lead to the injection of tick fluids into the host, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The correct method for tick removal is to use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. This helps ensure the tick is removed entirely and reduces the risk of infection.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "If bitten by a tick, testing for Lyme disease should occur within 2 weeks," is incorrect. Testing for Lyme disease immediately after a tick bite is not recommended because it takes time for the body to produce antibodies detectable by the tests. Testing too early can yield false-negative results. Healthcare providers may recommend testing if symptoms develop, but waiting for a few weeks after the bite increases the accuracy of the test results.

Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day.

• A. Perform ADLs for the client to promote rest. This is incorrect because performing ADLs for the client can increase their dependence and decrease their self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to perform ADLs as much as possible, with assistance as needed, to maintain their function and mobility.
• B. Allow for frequent rest periods throughout the day. This is correct because rest periods can help reduce fatigue and pain, as well as prevent joint damage and inflammation. The nurse should balance rest and activity for the client and avoid overexertion.
• C. Use heat to reduce joint inflammation. This is incorrect because heat can increase inflammation and pain in acute rheumatoid arthritis. The nurse should use cold applications to reduce swelling and inflammation in acute episodes, and use heat for chronic stiffness and pain. - D. Develop a daily schedule for acetaminophen up to 6 g/day that covers peak periods of pain. This is incorrect because acetaminophen has a maximum daily dose of 4 g/day, and exceeding this dose can cause liver toxicity. The nurse should monitor the client's liver function and use other analgesics as prescribed.