ATI Mental Health Related

Review ATI Mental Health related questions and content

A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed an antidepressant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse exclude from the teaching?

  • A. It may take several weeks for the medication to take effect
  • B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication
  • C. Discourage the client from washing her hands
  • D. You may experience an increase in energy before your mood improves
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should not include the instruction to discourage the client from washing her hands in the teaching for a client prescribed an antidepressant. This instruction is not relevant to the medication regimen. Instead, the nurse should educate the client that it may take several weeks for the medication to take effect, to avoid alcohol, not to discontinue the medication abruptly, and that there may be an increase in energy before mood improves. Regular blood tests are not typically required for most antidepressants.