A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder and was prescribed citalopram 2 weeks ago with a planned dosage increase 1 week ago. The client reports having an improved appetite, but still feels very depressed and is still having trouble sleeping. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Speak to the provider about adding an MAOI to the current medication regimen.

Explain that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective.

Tell the client that the provider will need to change citalopram to a different medication.

Recommend a sleep study be done on the client

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

This action might be premature. MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) are a class of antidepressants with specific dietary and medication interactions. They are typically considered when other classes of antidepressants have not been effective. It's important to exhaust other options before considering a switch to MAOIs.

B. Explain that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective:

Explanation: Correct Answer. This is an appropriate response. Antidepressants, including citalopram, can take several weeks to show their full therapeutic effects. It's common for some symptoms to improve before others. Educating the client about the delayed onset of action is important to manage their expectations.

C. Tell the client that the provider will need to change citalopram to a different medication:

Explanation: It might be too early to consider changing the medication after just two weeks, especially since the client reports an improved appetite. Changes in dosage or medication should ideally be discussed with the provider after an adequate trial period.

D. Recommend a sleep study be done on the client:

Explanation: While sleep problems can be associated with depression, it might not be the most appropriate next step based solely on the information provided. It's more important to address the ongoing depressive symptoms before focusing solely on sleep.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While addressing self-esteem and positive personality traits is important for overall psychological well-being, it is not the priority during the acute detoxification phase. Ensuring the client's physical safety and stability is the immediate concern.

B. Providing for adequate hydration and rest.

Explanation: The process of detoxification from alcohol can lead to withdrawal symptoms, some of which can be severe and even life-threatening. Adequate hydration is crucial during this period to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can occur due to excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating associated with withdrawal. Rest is also important to help the client's body recover from the physical stress of withdrawal.

C. Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse.

Education about the consequences of alcohol misuse is important for the client's understanding and motivation for recovery, but this intervention can come after addressing the immediate physical needs of detoxification.

D. Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms.

Addressing denial and defense mechanisms is a critical aspect of therapy for clients with alcohol use disorder, but it might not be the first priority during the detoxification phase. Ensuring the client's physical safety and managing withdrawal symptoms take precedence initially.

A. A pretreatment electroencephalogram (EEG) will be done. B. High serum sodium levels can cause toxic levels of valproate. C. Liver function tests must be monitored. D. Thyroid function tests should be performed every 6 months

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A pretreatment electroencephalogram (EEG) will be done.

An EEG is not typically necessary when starting valproate for bipolar disorder. EEGs are more commonly used to assess brain activity in the context of epilepsy.

B. High serum sodium levels can cause toxic levels of valproate.

Sodium levels are not directly related to the toxic levels of valproate. The primary concern with valproate is its impact on liver function and potential for hepatotoxicity.

C. Liver function tests must be monitored.

Explanation: Valproate is an antiepileptic and mood-stabilizing medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. One of the potential side effects of valproate is hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Therefore, monitoring liver function tests (such as serum transaminases) is important to assess the medication's impact on the liver and to ensure the client's safety.

D. Thyroid function tests should be performed every 6 months.

While thyroid function tests might be important for some medications, monitoring thyroid function is not a primary consideration when using valproate. The main focus with valproate is on liver function monitoring.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in a drug and alcohol detoxification center is planning care for a client who has alcohol use disorder. Which of the following interventions Could the nurse identify as the priority?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and a new prescription for valproate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client about the use of this medication?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse in a mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is newly admitted to the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take regarding the client's compulsive behaviors?

A nurse is preparing to administer olanzapine 20 mg PO daily. Available is olanzapine 10 mg orally disintegrating tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others in the day room. The nurse should recognize that the client uses this behavior to do which of the following?

A nurse is caring for a hospitalized client who tells lies about other clients. The other clients on the unit frequently complain to the nursing staff about the client's disruptive behaviors. Which of the following initial actions should the nurse take?

A nurse assessing a client who has a new diagnosis of anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse in a rehabilitation center is planning care for a newly admitted client who has a history of alcohol use disorder. Which of the following client goals is the highest priority?

A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and is scheduled for immediate chemotherapy. The client tells the nurse that she wants to try nontraditional treatments first. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse in a psychiatric unit is admitting a client who attacked a neighbor. The nurse should know that the client can be kept in the hospital after the 72-hr hold is over for which of the following conditions?