An adult who has recurrent episodes of depression tells the nurse that the prescribed antidepressant needs to be discontinued because the client is feeling better after taking the medication for the past couple of weeks and does not like the side effects. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?
Tell the client to discuss the medication side effects with the healthcare provider.
Tell the client that the medication's side effects will most likely dissipate over time.
Inform the client that gradual tapering must be used to discontinue the medication.
Remind the client that feeling better is the therapeutic effect of the medication.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice c. Inform the client that gradual tapering must be used to discontinue the medication.
Choice A rationale:
While discussing medication side effects with the healthcare provider is important, it does not address the immediate concern of discontinuing the medication safely. The nurse should provide guidance on the proper discontinuation process.
Choice B rationale:
Telling the client that side effects will most likely dissipate over time may not be accurate for all individuals and does not address the client’s desire to stop the medication.
Choice C rationale:
Informing the client that gradual tapering must be used to discontinue the medication is crucial. Abruptly stopping antidepressants can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a potential relapse of depression.
Choice D rationale:
Reminding the client that feeling better is the therapeutic effect of the medication is true, but it does not address the client’s concern about discontinuing the medication safely.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Her fasting 1-hour glucose screening level, which was done 1 week prior, is 164 mg/dl. (9.1 mmol/L) Her 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test results reveal a fasting blood sugar of 168 (9.3 mmol/L) and a two-hour postprandial of 220 mg/dL (12.2 mmol/L).
The client has gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is a condition that affects some pregnant women and causes high blood sugar levels. This is bad during pregnancy because it can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby, such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, birth trauma, neonatal hypoglycemia, and congenital anomalies. The client needs to follow a diet and exercise plan to control her blood sugar levels and prevent further complications. She may also need to take insulin injections or oral medications if diet and exercise are not enough. The client should monitor her blood sugar levels regularly and report any abnormal results to her health care provider. The client should also have regular prenatal visits and ultrasounds to check the growth and development of the baby.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
Nursing Interventions for Client Starting Clonazepam:
The following nursing interventions are appropriate for the client starting clonazepam 0.25 mg PO every 12 hours:
a. Screen for orthostatic hypotension:
Rationale:
- Clonazepam,like other benzodiazepines,can cause central nervous system (CNS) depression,which can lead to hypotension,particularly orthostatic hypotension.This occurs when blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing due to impaired autonomic nervous system regulation.
- Screening for orthostatic hypotension involves measuring the client's blood pressure and heart rate while lying down and then again after standing for 3 minutes.A significant drop in blood pressure (systolic decrease of 20 mmHg or diastolic decrease of 10 mmHg) or increase in heart rate (over 20 beats per minute) indicates orthostatic hypotension.
- Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension is crucial to prevent falls and other complications,especially in older adults or those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.
b. Provide oral care at least twice a day:
Rationale:
- Clonazepam can cause dry mouth as a side effect,which can increase the risk of cavities,gum disease,and oral infections.
- Regular oral care helps to remove plaque and bacteria,promoting oral hygiene and preventing complications.Providing oral care at least twice a day,especially before bedtime and upon waking,is essential.
d. Assess mental status regularly:
Rationale:
- Clonazepam,while indicated for anxiety and insomnia,can paradoxically cause agitation,confusion,and even hallucinations in some individuals,particularly older adults or those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions.
- Regular assessment of mental status helps to identify any adverse behavioral or cognitive changes early on.This includes monitoring for anxiety,depression,suicidal ideation,confusion,disorientation,hallucinations,and changes in sleep patterns.
e. Assist the client to the bathroom:
Rationale:
- Clonazepam can cause drowsiness and dizziness,which can increase the risk of falls,especially in older adults or those with impaired mobility.
- Assisting the client to the bathroom and providing support during toileting activities helps to prevent falls and injuries.
Choices not included:
c. Monitor calcium levels:
- There is no specific indication for monitoring calcium levels with clonazepam use.
f. Have an opioid agonist at the bedside:
- Clonazepam is not indicated for pain management and does not interact significantly with opioid analgesics.Therefore,having an opioid agonist readily available is not a necessary intervention for clonazepam initiation.
Additional Considerations:
- Educate the client about the potential side effects of clonazepam,including drowsiness,dizziness,dry mouth,and cognitive changes.
- Advise the client to avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants while taking clonazepam,as this can increase the risk of sedation and respiratory depression.
- Instruct the client to take clonazepam exactly as prescribed and not to stop taking it abruptly,as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Monitor the client's sleep patterns and adjust the medication schedule if necessary.
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