A client has been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) and is receiving education from a healthcare provider. Which statement by the client indicates an accurate understanding of the medication?
- A. I should take this medication at the same time every day.
- B. It may take several weeks for this medication to be effective.
- C. I should take this medication on an empty stomach.
- D. I should avoid eating aged cheeses and processed meats.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sertraline (Zoloft) may take several weeks to be effective, so it is important for the client to be informed about this timeframe. This medication does not need to be taken on an empty stomach, but it can be taken with or without food. Choice A is a good practice for many medications but not specifically related to sertraline (Zoloft). Choice D is not directly related to sertraline (Zoloft) but pertains to dietary restrictions when taking MAOIs due to potential interactions with tyramine.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client is experiencing alcohol withdrawal. Which symptom should the nurse identify as a priority to address?
- A. Tremors
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Increased blood pressure
- D. Insomnia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During alcohol withdrawal, increased blood pressure is a critical symptom that requires immediate attention. Elevated blood pressure can lead to serious complications such as cardiovascular events or stroke. Monitoring and managing blood pressure in clients experiencing alcohol withdrawal is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes. Tremors, nausea and vomiting, and insomnia are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, but they are not as immediately life-threatening as increased blood pressure. Therefore, addressing increased blood pressure takes precedence in the management of a client experiencing alcohol withdrawal.
A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends several hours each day washing her hands. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage the client to wash her hands less frequently.
- B. Set a time limit for hand washing.
- C. Teach the client relaxation techniques.
- D. Discourage the client from washing her hands.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Setting a time limit for hand washing is an appropriate intervention for a client with OCD who spends excessive time on this compulsive behavior. By setting a time limit, the nurse can help the client gradually reduce the compulsive behavior, promoting a more manageable approach to hand washing without completely discouraging it. Encouraging the client to wash her hands less frequently (Choice A) may not address the root of the issue and could lead to increased anxiety. Teaching relaxation techniques (Choice C) may be helpful for overall anxiety management but may not directly address the excessive hand washing behavior. Discouraging the client from washing her hands (Choice D) may increase anxiety and resistance, making it a less effective intervention.
A client is experiencing panic attacks. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client manage anxiety?
- A. Encourage the client to avoid situations that trigger anxiety.
- B. Encourage the client to practice deep breathing exercises.
- C. Encourage the client to take anti-anxiety medication as prescribed.
- D. Encourage the client to engage in regular physical activity.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During panic attacks, deep breathing exercises can help the client manage anxiety effectively by promoting relaxation and reducing the intensity of symptoms. Encouraging the client to practice deep breathing can provide a quick and accessible strategy to cope with the immediate distress of a panic attack. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding triggering situations may reinforce avoidance behavior, anti-anxiety medication is not the first-line intervention during a panic attack, and engaging in physical activity may not be feasible or effective during an acute episode of panic.
A client diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia states, 'The FBI is watching me. I see their agents everywhere.' Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?
- A. You shouldn't worry about that. It's not real.
- B. I don't see any FBI agents, but it sounds like you're feeling frightened.
- C. Let's talk about something else to take your mind off of it.
- D. Why do you think the FBI is watching you?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client diagnosed with major depressive disorder is prescribed an SSRI. Which side effect should the nurse monitor for in the initial weeks of treatment?
- A. Weight loss
- B. Increased risk of suicide
- C. Hypertension
- D. Photosensitivity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client is prescribed an SSRI for major depressive disorder, the nurse should closely monitor for an increased risk of suicide, especially in younger patients, during the initial weeks of treatment. SSRIs may initially increase energy levels before improving mood, which can lead to a higher risk of suicide in some individuals. Weight loss is not a common side effect of SSRIs and may actually be a concern for some patients with major depressive disorder who experience appetite changes. Hypertension is not typically associated with SSRIs, and photosensitivity is not a common side effect of this class of medications.