A patient has been prescribed an SSRI for depression and reports feeling more anxious since starting the medication. The nurse should:
Discontinue the medication immediately.
Increase the dose of the medication.
Encourage the patient to continue taking the medication as prescribed.
Administer an anxiolytic medication.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because SSRIs can cause increased anxiety in some patients during the first few weeks of treatment, but this usually subsides as the medication takes effect. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the depression. Increasing the dose of the medication is not advisable without consulting the prescriber, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects and serotonin syndrome. Administering an anxiolytic medication may interact with the SSRI and cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
Choice A is wrong because discontinuing the medication immediately can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the depression.
Choice B is wrong because increasing the dose of the medication is not advisable without consulting the prescriber, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects and serotonin syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because administering an anxiolytic medication may interact with the SSRI and cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
Normal ranges for SSRIs vary depending on the specific drug, but generally they are between 20 and 200 ng/mL. The therapeutic effects of SSRIs usually take 3 to 6 weeks to appear.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because SSRIs can cause increased anxiety in some patients during the first few weeks of treatment, but this usually subsides as the medication takes effect.Discontinuing the medication abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the depression.Increasing the dose of the medication is not advisable without consulting the prescriber, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects and serotonin syndrome.Administering an anxiolytic medication may interact with the SSRI and cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
Choice A is wrong because discontinuing the medication immediately can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen the depression.
Choice B is wrong because increasing the dose of the medication is not advisable without consulting the prescriber, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects and serotonin syndrome.
Choice D is wrong because administering an anxiolytic medication may interact with the SSRI and cause excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
Normal ranges for SSRIs vary depending on the specific drug, but generally they are between 20 and 200 ng/mL.The therapeutic effects of SSRIs usually take 3 to 6 weeks to appear.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Serum lithium levels should be monitored regularly while taking this medication because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause toxicity if the levels are too high or ineffective if the levels are too low.The normal range for serum lithium levels is 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L (0.6 to 1.2 mmol/L).
Choice A is wrong because blood glucose levels are not affected by lithium and do not need to be monitored regularly.
Choice B is wrong because serum potassium levels are not affected by lithium and do not need to be monitored regularly.
Choice D is wrong because serum calcium levels are not affected by lithium and do not need to be monitored regularly.
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