A nurse is caring for a client who started taking amitriptyline 6 days ago.
The client reports that the medication is not helping.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
"I will inform your provider so she can prescribe a different medication.”
"You will need to take this medication on an empty stomach for it to be more effective.”
"You will need to wait a couple of weeks to feel the therapeutic effect of the medication.”
"I will ask your provider to increase the dose of the medication.”
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
While it’s important for the provider to be informed if the medication isn’t working, it’s premature to change the medication after only 6 days.
Choice B rationale:
Amitriptyline does not need to be taken on an empty stomach to be effective.
Choice C rationale:
Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, often takes several weeks before a therapeutic effect is felt.
Choice D rationale:
Increasing the dose prematurely can lead to unnecessary side effects. It’s better to wait for the medication to take effect.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering an IV fluid bolus can help increase blood volume and thus increase blood pressure, which can alleviate symptoms of dizziness and lightheadedness. This is a common side effect of ramipril, especially after the first dose.
Choice B rationale:
Naloxone is an opioid antagonist and is not relevant in this context. It’s used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose, not to treat symptoms associated with antihypertensive medications.
Choice C rationale:
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat allergic reactions or insomnia, not symptoms associated with antihypertensive medications.
Choice D rationale:
Administering 15 g of carbohydrates would be appropriate for a hypoglycemic patient, not for a patient experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness due to antihypertensive medication.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Levalbuterol is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Therefore, a decrease in wheezing is a therapeutic effect of the medication, making this the correct choice.
Choice B rationale:
While levalbuterol can cause an increase in respiratory rate as a side effect, it is not considered a therapeutic effect of the medication. The primary goal of levalbuterol is to improve breathing by relaxing the muscles of the airways, not to increase respiratory rate.
Choice C rationale:
Levalbuterol does not directly affect nausea. It is primarily used to treat conditions related to breathing such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Choice D rationale:
An increased heart rate is a potential side effect of levalbuterol, not a therapeutic effect.
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