A nurse is assessing a patient who has been taking sertraline for 2 weeks.
Which finding should the nurse identify as an indication that the medication is effective?
The patient’s legs are not swollen.
The patient reports an improvement in mood.
The patient’s blood pressure is within the expected range.
The patient reports a recent weight loss.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
While swelling in the legs can be a side effect of some medications, it is not a measure of the effectiveness of sertraline. Sertraline is an antidepressant, and its effectiveness would be measured by improvements in mood and behavior.
Choice B rationale
An improvement in mood is a key indicator that the sertraline is effective. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression and other mood disorders. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.
Choice C rationale
While it’s important to monitor blood pressure in patients taking any medication, a blood pressure within the expected range is not specifically an indication of the effectiveness of sertraline.
Choice D rationale
Weight loss is not a primary indicator of the effectiveness of sertraline. While some patients may experience weight changes while taking this medication, it is not a measure of its effectiveness in treating depression or other mood disorders.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Telling the patient that this is the medication their doctor wants them to take does not address the patient’s concern about the color of the pill.
Choice B rationale
While it’s true that the same medication can sometimes come in different colors, this response does not confirm that the orange pill is the correct medication for the patient.
Choice C rationale
Checking the medication order again is the best response. This will ensure that the patient is receiving the correct medication.
Choice D rationale
Explaining the purpose of the medication does not address the patient’s concern about the color of the pill.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The statement “Our car seat is an infant model and is anchored in the car” indicates a correct understanding of car seat safety. Infant car seats are specifically designed to protect infants during a collision. They are rear-facing seats, which is the safest position for an infant because it provides the most support for the infant’s head, neck, and spine. Anchoring the car seat in the car is crucial as it ensures the seat stays in place during a collision.
Choice B rationale
The statement “The car seat is rear-facing in the front passenger seat” is incorrect. It is not safe to place a rear-facing car seat in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. In the event of a collision, an airbag can deploy and hit the car seat, causing serious injury to the infant.
Choice C rationale
The statement “I can fit my hand between the baby and the car seat harness” is incorrect. The harness of a car seat should be snug against the baby’s body. If you can fit your hand between the baby and the harness, it means the harness is too loose, which can be dangerous in the event of a collision.
Choice D rationale
The statement “Our car seat is front-facing in the back seat” is incorrect. Infants should always be in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat’s manufacturer.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
