Week 6 Pharmacology Antidepressants and Mood Stabilizing Drugs

Which teaching would the nurse provide to a patient who has just been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?

"Do not abruptly stop taking the medication."

Which education would the nurse include when teaching a patient who has just been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)?

"Do not operate automobiles or machinery when beginning to take this medication."

A patient with major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder has been prescribed duloxetine. The patient asks, "Isn't my health care provider also prescribing something for anxiety?" Which nursing response is appropriate?

"Duloxetine has been approved for use in treating both major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder."

The nurse is caring for a patient with a newly prescribed serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Which patient statement indicates the need for more teaching?

"I am glad I will feel better in 24 to 48 hours."

The nurse is assessing a patient who was prescribed sertraline 1 week ago. The patient states, "This medication isn't working; I feel no different." Which nursing response is appropriate?

"It can take 4 weeks or longer for the medication to be effective."

What dietary teaching will the nurse provide to Mr. Chandler who is taking lithium and sertraline and started a low-sodium diet 3 months ago to control his blood pressure?

"Resume your normal diet, and monitor your blood pressure daily."

The nurse is caring for a patient who started lithium therapy 6 weeks ago. The patient states, "This medication is not helping me." Which nursing responses are appropriate?

"The medication should be working by now; let's contact the health care provider." "Your medication regimen likely needs to be adjusted."

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a new prescription for sertraline. The patient states, "I am so glad I can take this medication while I am trying to get pregnant." Which nursing response is appropriate?

"There may be risks to the newborn infant. Let's talk with your health care provider."

A patient who is taking an atypical antidepressant for the first time says, "I'm glad this will start to work quickly." Which response would the nurse provide?

"You should feel some relief in 1 to 2 weeks and the full effect in about 2 months."

The initial dosage that the nurse anticipates a health care provider will prescribe for a patient taking bupropion is ________________ mg twice daily.

100

A patient who has just been prescribed lithium needs a laboratory appointment to determine serum levels for efficacy of treatment. When will the nurse schedule the appointment?

2 weeks later

Which dietary recommendations would the nurse make to the patient who is taking lithium?

Decrease intake of coffee. Stabilize intake of salt.

In which area of the body is the majority of lithium absorbed?

Gastrointestinal (GI) tract

The nurse is preparing to administer sertraline to a patient who reports taking warfarin. Which nursing action is appropriate?

Hold the medication and contact the health care provider.

The nurse is teaching a patient about dietary restrictions related to lithium. Which response by the patient indicates that the patient understands the teaching?

I will monitor my sodium intake."

The nurse notes a patient's lithium level as 0.1 mEq/L. Which prescription from the health care provider would the nurse anticipate receiving?

Increase in lithium dose

Which phrase describes the mechanism of action of duloxetine?

Inhibits reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine

The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of bipolar disorder and mania who has been nonadherent to medication therapy in the past. Which medication would the nurse anticipate will be prescribed by the health care provider?

Lithium

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to treat which conditions?

Major depressive disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder Panic disorder Posttraumatic stress disorder Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

A patient with bipolar disorder taking lithium reports still experiencing manic episodes. Which request would the nurse make to the health care provider?

Order a lithium level.

When caring for a patient who is starting sertraline, which side effect specific to this medication would the nurse discuss?

Sexual dysfunction

Which effect is the priority for the nurse to educate a patient about who is newly prescribed duloxetine?

Suicidal ideation

The telehealth nurse receives a call from a spouse who reports that the patient started sertraline 2 days ago and is now confused, anxious, sweating, and feverish. Which nursing response is appropriate?

Take your spouse to the emergency department."

Which phrase describes the mechanism of action of atypical antidepressants?

Varies with the medication