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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Consulting a pharmaceutical sales representative is not the best option. While they are knowledgeable about the medications they promote, their primary role is to market their company’s products, and they may not have comprehensive information about other medications.
Choice B rationale:
While a nursing team member can be a valuable resource, they may not have the specific knowledge about the medication in question. It’s also important to remember that medication information can change frequently, and relying on another person’s knowledge may lead to errors.
Choice C rationale:
The client’s family can provide useful information about how the client has been taking the medication at home, but they are unlikely to have detailed pharmacological knowledge about the medication.
Choice D rationale:
A nursing drug guide is a reliable and up-to-date resource that provides comprehensive information about medications, including indications, contraindications, dosages, potential side effects, and interactions. Therefore, when unfamiliar with a medication, the nurse should consult a nursing drug guide.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While headache can be a side effect of aspirin, it’s usually not severe enough to warrant reporting to the provider unless it’s persistent or severe.
Choice B rationale:
Rhinitis, or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, can be an allergic reaction to aspirin and should be reported to the provider.
Choice C rationale:
Hematocrit (Hct) level of 43% is within the normal range for both men (38.8–50.0 %) and women (34.9–44.5 %), so this finding would not need to be reported.
Choice D rationale:
A blood pressure reading of 120/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and would not need to be reported.
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