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:
An apical pulse of 54/min is below the normal range for adults. Digoxin, a cardiac medication, can lower the heart rate. Therefore, it’s crucial to hold the medication if the resting pulse for an adult is less than 60 bpm. This is to prevent further lowering of the heart rate which could lead to bradycardia, a potentially dangerous condition.
Choice B rationale:
A respiratory rate of 14/min is within the normal adult range of 12-20 breaths per minute. This would not be a reason to withhold digoxin.
Choice C rationale:
A blood pressure (BP) of 179/89 mm Hg indicates hypertension, which is not a direct contraindication for digoxin. However, it’s important to monitor BP levels in clients taking digoxin as the medication can affect blood pressure.
Choice D rationale:
A temperature of 37.8° C (100° F) is slightly elevated but would not be a reason to withhold digoxin unless it’s indicative of an underlying infection that needs to be addressed first.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart-related conditions. It’s not used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders. It can be used in the acute management of alcohol withdrawal, but it doesn’t assist in maintaining abstinence.
Choice C rationale:
Disulfiram is a medication used to support the treatment of chronic alcoholism by producing an acute sensitivity to ethanol (drinking alcohol) If alcohol is consumed when a patient has received disulfiram treatment, they suffer from a disulfiram-alcohol reaction, which can include symptoms like flushing, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. This aversive effect aids in discouraging the consumption of alcohol.
Choice D rationale:
Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant and mood stabilizer medication used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and bipolar disorder, not for alcohol use disorder.
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