Nokea
A patient is being discharged with a prescription for an antidepressant for their depression. Which instruction is most important?
- A. Take the medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
- B. Refrain from driving until you understand the effects of the medication.
- C. Do not discontinue the medication suddenly.
- D. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most critical instruction is to not discontinue the antidepressant medication suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially trigger a relapse of depression. Options A, B, and D are important but not as crucial as ensuring the patient follows the prescribed regimen and consults with a healthcare provider before making any changes to the medication routine.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is providing medication education to a patient who has been prescribed lithium to stabilize mood. Which early signs and symptoms of toxicity should the nurse stress to the patient?
- A. Increased attentiveness
- B. Getting up at night to urinate
- C. Improved vision
- D. An upset stomach for no apparent reason
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct early sign of lithium toxicity that the nurse should stress to the patient is an upset stomach for no apparent reason. Early signs of lithium toxicity often manifest as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This can serve as an important indicator for the patient to seek medical attention promptly to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Increased attentiveness, getting up at night to urinate, and improved vision are not early signs of lithium toxicity. It is crucial for the nurse to educate the patient on recognizing gastrointestinal symptoms as potential indicators of toxicity.
Which intervention is most appropriate to promote the self-esteem of a patient with severe depression?
- A. Encouraging the patient to spend time alone for self-reflection.
- B. Involving the patient in simple, achievable activities to ensure success.
- C. Allowing the patient to rest and avoid responsibilities.
- D. Providing frequent reassurances and compliments.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Involving the patient in simple, achievable activities is a constructive approach to promote self-esteem by fostering a sense of accomplishment and success. This method encourages positive reinforcement and helps the patient regain confidence and self-worth, which are essential in managing depression. Choice A could potentially lead to rumination and worsen depressive symptoms. Choice C might reinforce avoidance behaviors and hinder progress. Choice D, while supportive, may not address the core need for building self-esteem through personal achievements.
A patient with major depressive disorder has been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should take my medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
- B. I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. I can stop taking my medication once I feel better.
- D. I might experience some improvement in mood within a few weeks.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer. It is crucial for patients to understand that they should not stop taking their medication once they feel better. Discontinuing antidepressants abruptly can lead to a relapse of depressive symptoms. Patients should continue taking their medication as prescribed by their healthcare provider, even if they start feeling better, to ensure the best outcomes in managing major depressive disorder. Choices A, B, and D are all accurate statements. Taking medication with food can help reduce stomach upset, avoiding alcohol is essential while on sertraline to prevent interactions, and experiencing some improvement in mood within a few weeks is a common expectation when starting an antidepressant like sertraline.
A patient is being assessed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Which symptom is the patient most likely to report?
- A. Excessive worrying about various aspects of life.
- B. Extreme mood swings between euphoria and depression.
- C. Persistent thoughts of self-harm.
- D. Hearing voices that others do not hear.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) commonly present with excessive worrying about various aspects of life. This persistent and uncontrollable worry is a hallmark symptom of GAD and can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Extreme mood swings (choice B), persistent thoughts of self-harm (choice C), and auditory hallucinations (choice D) are more indicative of other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia, respectively. These symptoms are not specific to GAD.
What is a priority intervention for a patient with severe anxiety?
- A. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings in detail.
- B. Providing a calm and quiet environment.
- C. Encouraging the patient to participate in group activities.
- D. Providing detailed information about their treatment plan.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When dealing with a patient experiencing severe anxiety, providing a calm and quiet environment is a priority intervention. This approach helps reduce stimuli and anxiety levels, creating a more soothing atmosphere for the individual. Encouraging the patient to discuss their feelings in detail or participate in group activities may be beneficial in certain situations, but establishing a peaceful setting takes precedence when managing severe anxiety. Providing detailed information about their treatment plan, although important, may not be the immediate priority when the patient is in a state of severe anxiety and needs a calming environment first.