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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client is experiencing syncope (fainting) due to a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mm Hg, which is too low. This suggests that the client's blood pressure medications are reducing their blood pressure too much, resulting in hypotension. The rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications is to prevent further hypotension and allow the client's blood pressure to stabilize at a safer level.
Option a is incorrect because diuresis (increased urine output) is not a likely cause of the client's hypotension.
Option b is incorrect because the client's symptoms suggest hypotension due to reduced blood pressure, rather than drug toxicity.
Option c is incorrect because the antagonistic interaction among blood pressure medications would result in reduced effectiveness but would not necessarily cause hypotension.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Probenecid is a uricosuric drug that works by inhibiting the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys and promotes its excretion in the urine. This drug is used to treat gout and hyperuricemia (high levels of uric acid in the blood). Therefore, the nurse should explain to the client that the purpose of probenecid is to promote the excretion of uric acid in the urine and lower the levels of uric acid in the blood, which can help prevent gout attacks and kidney stones.
Options a, b, and d are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the mechanism of action or purpose of probenecid.
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