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 A

Explanation

Gentamicin sulfate is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that can cause ototoxicity, which is damage to the inner ear leading to hearing loss or balance problems. Therefore, a decrease in hearing is an indication that the client may be experiencing an adverse eﬀect of gentamicin.

Option b, decreased blood urea nitrogen, is not an adverse eﬀect of gentamicin, but it may indicate improvement in kidney function, which can be a positive outcome of treatment.

Option c, a white blood cell count of 6,000/mm3 (6x109/L), is within the normal range and is not necessarily an adverse eﬀect of gentamicin.

Option d, photophobia, is not a common adverse eﬀect of gentamicin and may indicate a diﬀerent condition or medication eﬀect.

A. Until a smaller angle can be restored. B. For long-term control of normal eye pressure. C. Until the excess pressure is reduced. D. For long-term control of pain and swelling.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Open-angle glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision loss or blindness. The primary goal of treatment is to lower and control the intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent further damage. Eye drops are often prescribed to reduce the IOP and are typically used for long-term control of normal eye pressure, even if the pressure has been reduced to a safe level.

Options a, c, and d are incorrect because they do not reﬂect the long-term management of open-angle glaucoma.

While reducing excess pressure may be a goal of treatment, it is not a guarantee that the eye drops will be discontinued once the pressure is normalized.

Likewise, restoring a smaller angle or managing pain and swelling may be secondary goals but are not the primary purpose of using eye drops in open-angle glaucoma

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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 male client has been receiving the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate IV piggyback every 12 hours for several days. Which observations by the nurse indicate that the client may be experiencing an adverse eﬀect of gentamicin?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with open-angle glaucoma asks the nurse how long the prescribed eye drops will need to be used. Which response made by the nurse is accurate?

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?