Chapter 21: Antidepressant Drugs Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 12th Edition by Susan M Ford

Introductory Clinical Pharmacology 12th Edition by Susan M Ford 1. The nurse is assessing a client for depression. Which symptom would the nurse prioritize? a. Drowsiness b. Extreme sadness c. Severe headache d. Dilated pupils Answer: B Rationale: The nurse should monitor the client for extreme sadness because this is a symptom of depression. Drowsiness is an adverse effect of most antidepressants. Severe headache and dilated pupils are symptoms of hypertensive crisis which can occur when MAOIs are combined with tyramine, tryptophan, and meperidine. Question Format: Multiple Choice Chapter: 21 Learning Objective: 1 Cognitive Level: Apply Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process) Reference: p. 251, Introduction 2. A client with depression has been prescribed amitriptyline. Which drug action should the nurse integrate into the teaching session for the client? a. Decreased reuptake of norepinephrine b. Increased serotonin in the nervous system c. Increased endogenous norepinephrine d. Increased endogenous epinephrine Answer: A Rationale: The nurse should identify decreased reuptake of norepinephrine as the effect of the tricyclic antidepressant on the client's body. Increased serotonin in the nervous system, increased endogenous norepinephrine, and increased endogenous epinephrine are effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Question Format: Multiple Choice Chapter: 21 Learning Objective: 3 Cognitive Level: Apply Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process) Reference: p. 255, Tricyclic Antidepressants 3. A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has been prescribed amoxapine for depression accompanied by anxiety. After administration of the drug, the nurse observes muscle rigidity and sweating. Which action should the nurse prioritize? a. Suggest the client engage in exercise. b. Get the client to drink a glass of cold water. c. Encourage the client to breathe deeply. d. Stop the drug and contact the health care provider. Answer: D Rationale: The nurse should identify these as symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome and discontinue the drug administration and contact the health care provider. Exercising, drinking cold water, and encouraging deep breaths will not help the client with these symptoms. Question Format Chapter: 21 Learning Objective: 3 Cognitive Level: Apply Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological Therapies Integrated Process: Clinical Problem-solving Process (Nursing Process) Reference: p. 255, Tricyclic Antidepressants 4. A nurse is preparing to teach a client and caregiver about the antidepressant therapy which will be continued at home. Which precaution should the nurse suggest if the client experiences dizziness when getting out of bed? a. Strictly avoid movements if dizziness occurs. b. Rise slowly when getting out of bed. c. Have breakfast before getting out of bed. d. Have a glass of water to overcome dizziness. Answer: B Rationale: The nurse should instruct the client to rise slowly when getting out of bed. Strictly avoiding movements will restrict the client's mobility, which is unadvisable. Having breakfast or a glass of water before getting out of bed will not help the client to overcome dizziness because the dizziness is not due to lack of nourishment. Question Format: Multiple Choice Chapter: 21 Learning Objective: 6 Cognitive Level: Apply Client Needs: Physiological Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning Reference: p. 261, Educating the Client and Family 5. A nurse is caring for a client with suicidal tendencies. Which action would be most important for the nurse to do after administering the drug orally? a. Inspect the oral cavity to ensure that the drug is swallowed. b. Monitor body temperature for changes. c. Monitor blood pressure for unusual changes. d. Inspect pulse rate for unusual changes.