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 D

Explanation

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. It is commonly used to manage symptoms of a chronic productive cough in conditions such as COPD.

Salmeterol and Tiotropium are both bronchodilators that help to open up the airways and improve breathing in COPD, but they are not specifically indicated for managing a chronic productive cough.

Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can help reduce inﬂammation in the airways and improve breathing in COPD exacerbations, but it is not typically used for managing a chronic productive cough.

A. Reports on increased energy levels and decreased fatigue. B. Takes concurrent iron therapy without adverse eﬀects. C. The hemoglobin level increased to 12 grams/dL (120mmol/L). D. Food diary shows increased consumption of iron rich foods.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells and is commonly used to treat anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. Hemoglobin level is the most important parameter to monitor the eﬀectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy. An increase in hemoglobin level indicates an improvement in the patient's anemia and suggests that the medication is eﬀective.

While options a, b, and d are also important considerations in the management of anemia, they do not provide a definitive indication of the eﬀectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy. Reports of increased energy levels and decreased fatigue can be subjective and inﬂuenced by many factors. Taking concurrent iron therapy without adverse eﬀects is important to support the production of red blood cells but does not confirm the eﬀectiveness of epoetin alfa. Increased consumption of iron-rich foods can be helpful in managing anemia, but it does not provide a direct indication of the eﬀectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.

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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

The nurse is preparing a client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and a chronic productive cough for discharged home. Which prescribed medication should the nurse review with the client to manage this symptom?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

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?