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A nurse is discussing antidepressants with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as being a candidate for antidepressant therapy?

A.

A client who has decreased interleukin-6 levels

B.

A client who has decreased urine cortisol levels

C.

A client who has decreased C-reactive protein levels

D.

A client who has decreased serotonin levels

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:

A. A client who has decreased interleukin-6 levels: Interleukin-6 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that may be elevated in depression, but its decrease is not an indicator for antidepressant use. It’s not routinely used to determine the need for antidepressant therapy in clinical practice.

B. A client who has decreased urine cortisol levels: Depression is more commonly associated with increased cortisol levels due to stress responses. Low cortisol may be seen in conditions like Addison's disease but does not typically guide antidepressant use.

C. A client who has decreased C-reactive protein levels: CRP is a nonspecific inflammatory marker. While elevated CRP has been observed in some individuals with depression, a decreased CRP level would not indicate the need for antidepressant therapy.

D. A client who has decreased serotonin levels: Low serotonin levels are closely linked to depression pathophysiology. Many antidepressants, such as SSRIs, target serotonin levels to relieve depressive symptoms, making this the most relevant indicator for antidepressant therapy.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A,B"},"B":{"answers":"B"},"C":{"answers":"A,B"},"D":{"answers":"B"}}

Explanation

Rationale:

  • Platelet count: A low platelet count (<100,000/mm³) is a hallmark of HELLP syndrome but can also appear in severe preeclampsia. Therefore, thrombocytopenia supports both diagnoses.
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): Elevated ALT indicates hepatic involvement due to hepatocellular injury, which is a defining feature of HELLP syndrome but not required for preeclampsia diagnosis.
  • Blood pressure: Severe hypertension (≥160/110 mm Hg), as seen in this client, is diagnostic of severe preeclampsia. It may also be present in HELLP syndrome due to overlapping pathophysiology.
  • Hemoglobin: Low hemoglobin can reflect hemolysis, which is part of the HELLP acronym (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelets). Preeclampsia does not typically present with anemia unless HELLP develops.

Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]

Explanation

Rationale:

A. Polydipsia: Polydipsia, or excessive thirst, is commonly associated with hyperglycemia due to osmotic diuresis caused by high blood glucose levels. It is not a typical feature of hypoglycemia.

B. Tremors: Tremors are a hallmark symptom of hypoglycemia. They result from the body's adrenergic (sympathetic) response to low blood glucose levels, which triggers the release of epinephrine to raise glucose.

C. Acetone breath odor: A fruity or acetone breath odor is associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. It indicates ketone buildup due to fat metabolism in the absence of insulin.

D. Inability to concentrate: Cognitive impairment, such as confusion or difficulty concentrating, is a neurological symptom of hypoglycemia. The brain relies heavily on glucose, and low levels affect its function quickly.

E. Diaphoresis: Sweating is a common autonomic symptom of hypoglycemia due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system. It often occurs early in a hypoglycemic episode and is a critical sign to monitor.

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