ATI Mental Health Practice B Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice B related questions and content

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed fluoxetine for panic disorder. Which statement should be included in the teaching?

  • A. You should notice the effects of this medication within a few days.
  • B. It's important to take this medication only when you feel anxious.
  • C. It may take several weeks before you notice the full effects of this medication.
  • D. You can stop taking this medication as soon as you feel better.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the teaching is that it may take several weeks before the patient notices the full effects of fluoxetine. This is because fluoxetine, like other SSRIs, requires time to reach its full therapeutic effect. Choice A is incorrect as fluoxetine does not show its effects within a few days. Choice B is incorrect as fluoxetine should be taken regularly as prescribed, not only when feeling anxious. Choice D is incorrect as discontinuing fluoxetine abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and a return of panic disorder symptoms.