Review Antidepressants

Mental Health Pharmacology > Pharmacology

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Antidepressants

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Total Questions : 5

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Question 1:

A nurse is caring for a client who is taking fluoxetine (Prozac). Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for?

A. Hypertension B. Bradycardia C. Diarrhea D. Urinary retention.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Choice A is wrong because hypertension is not a common adverse effect of fluoxetine. Fluoxetine can cause hypotension, especially when taken with other antihypertensive medications.

Choice B:

Choice B is wrong because bradycardia is not a common adverse effect of fluoxetine. Fluoxetine can cause tachycardia, palpitations, and arrhythmias in some cases.

Choice C:

The correct answer is choice C. Diarrhea. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can cause gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The nurse should monitor the client for these adverse effects and advise them to take the medication with food and increase their fluid intake.

Normal ranges for blood pressure are 90/60 mmHg to 120/80 mmHg, for heart rate are 60 to 100 beats per minute, and for respiratory rate are 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Choice D:

Choice D is wrong because urinary retention is not a common adverse effect of fluoxetine. Fluoxetine can cause urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence in some cases.

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Question 2:

A nurse is caring for a client who is taking venlafaxine (Effexor). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

A. Change positions slowly B. Avoid alcohol C. Take with food D. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets E. Take medication at bedtime.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that can causeorthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions.Therefore, the client shouldchange positions slowlyto prevent dizziness or fainting.

Choice B:

Venlafaxine (Effexor) can also increase the risk ofbleedingwhen combined with alcohol or other drugs that affect blood clotting.Therefore, the client shouldavoid alcoholwhile taking this medication.

Choice C:

Venlafaxine (Effexor) can causenausea, especially when taken on an empty stomach.Therefore, the client shouldtake it with foodto reduce this adverse effect.

Choice D:

Venlafaxine (Effexor) comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms.

The extended-release tablets are designed to release the drug slowly over time and should not be altered.Therefore, the client shouldnot crush or chew extended-release tabletsas this can affect the drug’s absorption and effectiveness.

Choice E:

Choice E is wrong because taking venlafaxine (Effexor) at bedtime can causeinsomniadue to its stimulating effects on the central nervous system.Therefore, the client should take it in the morning or early afternoon.

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Question 3:

A nurse is caring for a client who is taking citalopram (Celexa). The client reports having trouble sleeping at night. Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

A. “You should take your medication in the morning instead of at night.” B. “You should stop taking your medication immediately.” C. “You should take your medication at night instead of in the morning.” D. “You should take your medication with food.”

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Citalopram (Celexa) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can cause insomnia as a side effect. Taking the medication in the morning can help reduce this effect and improve the client’s sleep quality.

Choice B:

Choice B is wrong because the client should not stop taking citalopram abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and irritability.

Choice C:

Choice C is wrong because taking citalopram at night can worsen the insomnia and interfere with the client’s rest and recovery.

Choice D:

Choice D is wrong because taking citalopram with food does not affect its absorption or efficacy. The client can take citalopram with or without food according to their preference.

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Question 4:

A client who has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for several weeks reports that they are not feeling any better and asks the nurse why this is happening.Which of the following statements by the nurse is appropriate?

A. “It takes several weeks for antidepressants to start working.” B. “You need to increase your dosage.” C. “You need to stop taking your medication immediately.” D. “Antidepressants do not work for everyone.”

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

This is because antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac) work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. However, serotonin levels do not change immediately after taking the medication, and it may take up to 4 to 6 weeks for the full benefits of the drug to occur.

Choice B:

Choice B is wrong because “You need to increase your dosage.” is wrong because increasing the dosage of fluoxetine without consulting a health care provider can cause serious side effects, such as serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body.

Choice C:

Choice C is wrong because “You need to stop taking your medication immediately.” is wrong because stopping fluoxetine abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and anxiety. Fluoxetine should be tapered off gradually under the guidance of a health care provider.

Choice D:

Choice D is wrong because “Antidepressants do not work for everyone.” is wrong because although antidepressants may not be effective for some people, it is too early to conclude that fluoxetine is not working for this client after only several weeks of treatment. The client should continue taking the medication as prescribed and report any concerns or side effects to the health care provider.

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Question 5:

A nurse is caring for a client who is taking bupropion (Wellbutrin). Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for?

A. Hypertension B. Bradycardia C. Diarrhea D. Seizures.

Answer and Explanation

Choice A:

Choice A is wrong because hypertension is not a common adverse effect of bupropion. However, bupropion can cause tachycardia, agitation, insomnia, and headache.

Choice B:

Choice B is wrong because bradycardia is not an adverse effect of bupropion. Bupropion can cause tachycardia as a result of its stimulating effect on the central nervous system.

Choice C:

Choice C is wrong because diarrhea is not an adverse effect of bupropion. Bupropion can cause dry mouth, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Choice D:

Seizures. According to web search results, bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant that can lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of seizures in clients who have a history of head injury, brain tumor, or eating disorders. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for any signs of seizure activity and report them to the provider.

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Antidepressants

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