A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who has ADHD about atomoxetine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Expect hyperactivity as a common adverse effect.
Give the dose in the morning to help prevent insomnia.
Avoid crowds due to the increased risk for infection.
Limit caloric intake to prevent excessive weight gain.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is b.
Choice A Reason:
Expect hyperactivity as a common adverse effect. This statement is incorrect. Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant medication used to treat ADHD and does not typically cause hyperactivity. Instead, it helps improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Common side effects of atomoxetine include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, dry mouth, loss of appetite, mood changes, feeling tired, dizziness, urination problems, or impotence.
Choice B Reason:
Give the dose in the morning to help prevent insomnia. This statement is correct. Atomoxetine should be taken in the morning to help prevent insomnia, as taking it later in the day can interfere with sleep. The medication can be taken with or without food, and if a second dose is prescribed, it is typically taken in the late afternoon or early evening.
Choice C Reason:
Avoid crowds due to the increased risk for infection. This statement is incorrect. Atomoxetine does not increase the risk of infection, and there is no need to avoid crowds while taking this medication3. Common side effects do not include an increased risk of infection.
Choice D Reason:
Limit caloric intake to prevent excessive weight gain. This statement is incorrect. Atomoxetine is more likely to cause weight loss rather than weight gain. It can decrease appetite, which may lead to weight loss in some patients. Therefore, limiting caloric intake is not necessary while taking atomoxetine.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Is not responding to other clients on the unit.
While a lack of response to other clients can indicate social withdrawal and isolation, which are common in depressive episodes, it does not necessarily indicate an immediate risk to the client’s safety. This behavior is concerning but does not require the highest priority intervention compared to other behaviors that may indicate a risk of self-harm or suicidal ideation.
Choice B Reason: Is refusing to take their prescribed mood stabilizer.
Refusing medication is a significant concern as it can lead to worsening of symptoms and destabilization of the client’s condition. However, this behavior does not indicate an immediate risk to the client’s safety. The nurse should address this issue promptly, but it is not the highest priority compared to behaviors that suggest suicidal ideation.
Choice C Reason: Angrily argues with another client stating, “God is dead.”
This behavior indicates agitation and potential conflict with others, which can be problematic in a clinical setting. However, it does not directly suggest an immediate risk to the client’s safety. The nurse should intervene to de-escalate the situation and provide support, but this is not the highest priority compared to signs of suicidal ideation.
Choice D Reason: States, “There is no future when you feel so depressed.”
This statement is highly concerning as it indicates feelings of hopelessness and potential suicidal ideation. Expressions of hopelessness and statements about the future being bleak are significant risk factors for suicide. The nurse should prioritize this behavior for immediate intervention to assess the client’s risk of self-harm and provide appropriate support and safety measures.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is a. The client’s behavioral change is expected after the time period of medication.
Choice A Reason:
This choice is correct because fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to start showing its full effects. The client’s statement, “I feel like a great weight is off my chest,” indicates a positive response to the medication, which aligns with the expected timeline for SSRIs to improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. This behavioral change suggests that the medication is working as intended, helping to lift the depressive symptoms.
Choice B Reason:
This choice is incorrect and concerning. While it is true that some individuals may experience a temporary increase in energy before their mood improves, which could potentially increase the risk of suicide, the client’s positive statement does not necessarily indicate suicidal planning. It is important for healthcare providers to continuously monitor for any signs of suicidal ideation, but in this context, the client’s statement more likely reflects an improvement in their depressive symptoms.
Choice C Reason:
This choice is incorrect because there is no indication that the medication dosage should be decreased or that a mood stabilizer should be added. Fluoxetine is generally well-tolerated, and the client’s positive response suggests that the current dosage is effective. Mood stabilizers are typically used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, not major depressive disorder, unless there is a specific indication for their use.
Choice D Reason:
This choice is incorrect and indicates a misunderstanding of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin activity in the brain, often due to drug interactions or overdose. Symptoms include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, and high blood pressure4. The client’s statement of feeling relieved does not align with the symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which are generally severe and require immediate medical attention.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today