MED 143 ANTIDEPRESSANT AGENTS – CHAPTER 21 QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS 2023

MED 143 ANTIDEPRESSANT AGENTS – CHAPTER 21 QUESTIONS VERIFIED ANSWERS 2023. What is the physiological action of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)? A) Inhibiting monoamine oxidase inhibitors that break down norepinephrine B) Inhibiting nerve activity, which prevents over excitability or stimulation C) Blocking the reuptake of serotonin, which increases the levels of norepinephrine D) Inhibiting reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin Ans: D Feedback: TCAs inhibit presynaptic reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, which cause an accumulation of the neurotransmitters that is thought to create the antidepressant effect. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors irreversibly inhibit monoamine oxidase that breaks down norepinephrine and serotonin. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors block the reuptake of serotonin; gamma-aminobutyric acid inhibits nerve activity. 3.A nurse is working with a 9-year-old child who exhibits signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). What drug will the nurse anticipate may be prescribed for the child? A) Phenelzine (Nardil) B) Amitriptyline (Elavil) C) Fluvoxamine (Prozac) D) Isocarboxazid (Marplan) Ans: C Feedback: Fluvoxamine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that has established pediatric dosage guidelines for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Isocarboxazid and phenelzine are monoamine oxidase inhibitors and should be avoided in pediatric use because of the potential drug–food interactions and other serious adverse effects. Amitriptyline is also a tricyclic antidepressant not recommended for pediatric use. Page 1 4.A patient explains to a nurse that he had been taking amitriptyline (Elavil) for depression and that his physician changed his medication to clomipramine (Anafranil). The patient is confused and does not understand why his medication was changed. The nurse's best response to the patient would be what? A) “These drugs are similar but some patients respond better to one drug than another.” B) “Did you take the amitriptyline like you should have?” C) “Maybe the old medicine wasn't working anymore.” D) “Clomipramine is newer and will be much better for you.” Ans: A Feedback: Because all tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are similarly effective, the choice of which TCA depends on individual response to the drug and tolerance of adverse effects. A patient who does not respond to one TCA may respond to another drug from this class. In addition, the nurse might inform the physician of the patient's question so the physician can explain his or her rationale for changing medications. By asking the patient if he took the medication as prescribed, the nurse is insinuating that he may not have and could damage the trusting nurse–patient relationship. The nurse has no basis for commenting that the medication might not be working or that another drug would work better. 5.A patient comes to the mental health clinic for a regular appointment. The patient tells the nurse he has been taking oral fluoxetine (Prozac) 20 mg daily for the past 3 weeks and that he has lost 3 pounds during that time due to a loss of appetite. What action should the nurse take? A) Teaching the patient about healthy eating to maintain weight B) Congratulating the patient on his weight loss and commenting how well he looks C) Encouraging the patient to increase fluid intake to avoid further weight loss D) Reassuring the patient that a decrease in weight is a common adverse effect with this medication Ans: D Feedback: Adverse effects of fluoxetine include anorexia and weight loss. Although teaching about healthy eating is a good idea, it is more important to teach the patient how to take the medication in a way that will reduce adverse effects as well as how to optimize healthy calories to maintain weight. The patient should increase caloric intake, not just fluid intake. The patient should continue the medication to see whether therapeutic effects are obtained and adjust nutritional intake if necessary. More information about the patient's baseline weight is needed before congratulating the patient because a patient who is already too thin would not appreciate the nurse's comment. 6.A patient diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus is receiving insulin. The physician has prescribed a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) to treat this patient's depression. What interaction will the nurse assess for with this drug combination? Page 2 A) Increased risk of hypoglycemia B) Increased risk of hyperglycemia C) Increase in appetite D) Increased total cholesterol Ans: A Feedback: MAOIs can cause an additive hypoglycemic effect if taken with insulin or oral diabetic agents. This patient would have to be monitored closely and appropriate dosage adjustments made; he should be taught the importance of more frequent blood sugar monitoring. The drug combination in this question would not cause an increase in appetite or increased total cholesterol. 7.A patient has been taking Prozac (fluoxetine) for the past 3 years for depression. She is seeing her gynecologist for premenopausal symptoms and during the interview with the nurse she says that “she would like to try Sarafem because her friend is taking it and she says it works great.” The nurse's best response is what? A) “Sarafem and Prozac are different brand names for the same generic medication.” B) “Before changing drugs it is important to consider how well you responded to Prozac.” C) “You cannot take both drugs at the same time so it will be important to decide which is best.” D) “When taking both of these drugs, it is best to take one in the morning and one at night.” Ans: A Feedback: Prozac and Sarafem are different brand names for fluoxetine, so there is no benefit in changing the patient's medication regimen and, if taken together, would result in a drug overdose. The other three responses are incorrect or inappropriate because they do not recognize that both drugs are the same. 8.A 12-year-old patient is hospitalized with severe depression. The patient has been taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). What is the priority nursing action for the patient? A) Monitor food intake for levels of tyramine. B) Assess for weight loss and difficulty sleeping. C) Monitor the patient for severe headaches. D) Implement suicide precautions.