Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is prescribed for an adult client who is clinically depressed.
The client is admitted to the hospital due to suicidal ideation five days after starting the medication.
The client informs the practical nurse (PN) that the medication isn’t working as suicidal thoughts persist.
What information should the PN provide?
A review of the medication regimen is required due to the poor drug response.
A dosage increase may be needed, which requires in-hospital evaluation.
Therapy sessions may be needed to enhance the medication’s action on depression.
Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is D. Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective. Choice A rationale While it’s important to review the medication regimen if a patient is not responding to treatment, it’s also crucial to understand that antidepressants like amitriptyline don’t typically show their full effects immediately. It’s common for these medications to take several weeks before their full therapeutic effect becomes apparent. Choice B rationale A dosage increase may be considered if the patient shows no improvement after a sufficient period, typically several weeks. However, since the patient has only been on the medication for five days, it’s too early to consider a dosage increase. Choice C rationale Therapy can indeed be beneficial in treating depression and can enhance the effect of medication. However, the statement that the medication isn’t working after five days is likely due to the fact that antidepressants usually take longer to start showing effects. Choice D rationale This is the correct answer. Antidepressants like amitriptyline often take 2 to 4 weeks to start showing their full effects. It’s important for patients to know this so they don’t get discouraged and stop taking the medication too soon.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A pain rating of 2/10 is not directly related to the therapeutic effect of Bisacodyl. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative used to treat constipation, and its effectiveness would not typically be measured by pain ratings20.
Choice B rationale
A non-blanchable red area could be a sign of a pressure ulcer or other skin condition. It is not a therapeutic result of Bisacodyl administration20.
Choice C rationale
Blood pressure of 135/81 mmHg is a normal reading and is not directly related to the therapeutic effect of Bisacodyl20.
Choice D rationale
Sinus tachycardia, or a faster-than-normal heart rate, is not a therapeutic result of Bisacodyl administration. If a patient experiences sinus tachycardia while taking Bisacodyl, they should seek medical attention20.
Choice E rationale
Itching in legs is not a therapeutic result of Bisacodyl administration. It could be a sign of an allergic reaction or other medical condition20.
Choice F rationale
Semifluid stool is the correct answer. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that works by increasing activity in the intestines to cause a bowel movement. Therefore, the production of semifluid stool can be considered a therapeutic result of Bisacodyl administration20.
Choice G rationale
A burning sensation is not a therapeutic result of Bisacodyl administration. If a patient experiences a burning sensation while taking Bisacodyl, they should seek medical attention20.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diminished urinary urgency is an expected outcome of oxybutynin treatment, as the
medication works by relaxing the muscles of the bladder.
Choice B rationale
Reduced urinary frequency is another expected outcome of oxybutynin treatment.
Choice C rationale
Decreased urinary output is not a typical effect of oxybutynin. In fact, oxybutynin is used to
manage symptoms of an overactive bladder, which include frequent urination. Therefore, if the
PN observes decreased urinary output, it could indicate a problem such as urinary retention,
which should be reported to the charge nurse.
Choice D rationale
Less frequent urinary incontinence is an expected outcome of oxybutynin treatment.
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