The nurse is planning care for a patient with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine.

Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Weight change in the last month.

Recent use of other antidepressants.

Liver function lab results.

Family history of mental illness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

The correct answer is C. Liver function lab results.

Choice A: Weight change in the last month

Weight change is a relevant factor to monitor in patients starting on antidepressants, including duloxetine, as some antidepressants can cause weight gain or loss. However, it is not the most critical information to obtain initially. Monitoring weight can help manage potential side effects and ensure the patient’s overall health, but it does not directly impact the immediate safety and efficacy of starting duloxetine.

Choice B: Recent use of other antidepressants

Recent use of other antidepressants is crucial information because combining duloxetine with other antidepressants, especially MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), can lead to serious interactions such as serotonin syndrome. This condition can be life-threatening and requires careful management. However, while this information is important, it is not as immediately critical as liver function tests when starting duloxetine.

Choice C: Liver function lab results

Liver function lab results are the most important information for the nurse to obtain. Duloxetine is metabolized in the liver, and patients with pre-existing liver conditions or impaired liver function are at higher risk for hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver function is essential to prevent severe liver damage, which can be life-threatening. Baseline liver function tests help ensure that the patient can safely metabolize the medication and identify any potential issues early.

Choice D: Family history of mental illness

Family history of mental illness can provide valuable context for understanding the patient’s condition and potential genetic predispositions. It can also help in tailoring the treatment plan and anticipating the patient’s response to medication. However, while this information is useful for long-term management, it is not as immediately critical as liver function tests when initiating duloxetine therapy.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Continuous rubbing of the back of the neck can be a side eﬀect of antipsychotic medication, known as acute dystonia. Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication that can eﬀectively treat acute dystonia. Therefore, the nurse should give a PRN prescription for benztropine to relieve the client's discomfort. Options a, b, and d do not address the underlying issue of acute dystonia and are not the best interventions for this particular situation.

A. Fingerstick glucose. B. Serum electrolytes and ammonia. C. Stool color and character. D. Serum hepatic enzymes.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Lactulose is a medication commonly used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction.

Monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help the nurse evaluate the eﬀectiveness of lactulose therapy. Elevated ammonia levels can indicate that the medication is not eﬀectively reducing ammonia absorption and may require adjustment in dose or frequency. Additionally, monitoring electrolyte levels can help detect any imbalances that may occur because of lactulose therapy.

Fingerstick glucose levels (option A) are not relevant to evaluating the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.

Stool color and character (option C) may be monitored to assess the side eﬀects of lactulose, such as diarrhea, but are not the best assessments to evaluate therapeutic response.

Serum hepatic enzymes (option D) may be useful in assessing the severity of liver disease but are not the best assessment to evaluate the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.

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The nurse is planning care for a patient with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with psychosis who is receiving an antipsychotic medication is continuously rubbing the back of the neck. Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which assessment provides the nurse with the nest information to evaluate the client’s therapeutic response to the drug?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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The nurse is planning care for a patient with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine.

Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?