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 ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sensation of pressure is a common symptom of urinary retention due to prostatic hypertrophy.
Choice B rationale
Dysuria, or painful urination, can occur due to the enlarged prostate pressing against the urethra.
Choice C rationale
Bladder distension is a result of the bladder becoming overly full due to inability to fully empty the bladder.
Choice D rationale
Tenderness over the symphysis pubis can occur due to the bladder being overly full and distended.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
In ARDS, impaired carbon dioxide elimination due to shunting can occur. Shunting refers to the diversion of blood from areas of the lung that are ventilated to areas that are not, leading to impaired gas exchange.
Choice B rationale
Decreased pulmonary arterial pressure due to ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) mismatch is not a typical finding in ARDS3.
Choice C rationale
Hypoxemia due to dead space is not a typical finding in ARDS. Dead space refers to areas of the lung that are ventilated but not perfused.
Choice D rationale
Decreased pulmonary compliance due to stiffness is a typical finding in ARDS. The lungs become stiff and less compliant due to the accumulation of fluid and inflammatory cells in the alveoli and interstitial space.
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