NCLEX REVIEW (865 Q& A with Explanation)

NCLEX REVIEW (865 Q& A with Explanation)/NCLEX REVIEW (865 Q& A with Explanation). NO.1 A depressed client is seen at the mental health center for follow-up after an attempted suicide 1 week ago. She has taken phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor, for 7 straight days. She states that she is not feeling any better. The nurse explains that the drug must accumulate to an effective level before symptoms are totally relieved. Symptom relief is expected to occur within: A. 10 days B. 2-4 weeks C. 2 months D. 3 months Answer: B Explanation: (A) This answer is incorrect. It can take up to 1 month for therapeutic effect of the medication. (B) This answer is correct. Because MAO inhibitors are slow to act, it takes 2-4 weeks before improvement of symptoms is noted.