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NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
Mary, a depressed patient, is seen in the clinic and is being treated with an SSRI. Mary tells the nurse that she has some pills that she formerly took for depression and that they are called MAOIs. Mary tells the nurse "I want to take the MAOIs right now" instead of continuing with the current medication. The most important information the nurse should convey is:.
A. The dietary restrictions required to take MAOIs.
While dietary restrictions are indeed important when taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) due to the risk of hypertensive crisis, this information is not the most crucial in this scenario. The immediate concern is the potential reaction between SSRIs and MAOIs if taken together.
B. That the SSRI antidepressant will be more effective as the weeks go by.
The statement about the SSRI becoming more effective over time is accurate, but it's not the primary concern when the patient is considering abruptly switching medications. The potential interactions between different classes of antidepressants are a more immediate concern.
C. The need to have her blood pressure carefully monitored.
Monitoring blood pressure is relevant when taking MAOIs due to the risk of hypertensive crisis caused by consuming certain foods and beverages. However, the primary concern in this scenario is the potential interaction between different classes of antidepressants.
D. The risk of a serious reaction if she stops the SSRIs and begins the MAOIs.
This is the most important information to convey. Combining SSRIs and MAOIs can lead to a dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Switching between these medications without proper guidance and a washout period can increase the risk of this serious reaction.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Custom Psych Nursing Spring 2023 Proctored Exam 3. Take the full exam now
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who is hospitalized for the treatment of severe depression. Which of the following nursing approaches is therapeutic to include in the client's plan of care?
A. Giving the client choices of activities.
While providing choices can be empowering for clients, it might be overwhelming for someone with severe depression, who may struggle with decision-making and motivation.
B. Playing a game of chess with the client.
This could be too mentally demanding and may not be appropriate for a client with severe depression, who may have difficulty concentrating or engaging in complex activities.
C. Encouraging decision-making.
Encouraging decision-making is important in general, but clients with severe depression may find it difficult and stressful to make decisions. This approach should be used cautiously and based on the client's readiness.
D. Spending time sitting with the client.
This is correct and therapeutic. Spending time with the client without the pressure to engage in conversation or activities can help the client feel supported and understood. It fosters trust and shows that the nurse is there to provide support, which is especially important for someone experiencing severe depression.
Full Explanation
a. Giving the client choices of activities: While providing choices can be empowering for clients, it might be overwhelming for someone with severe depression, who may struggle with decision-making and motivation.
b. Playing a game of chess with the client: This could be too mentally demanding and may not be appropriate for a client with severe depression, who may have difficulty concentrating or engaging in complex activities.
c. Encouraging decision-making: Encouraging decision-making is important in general, but clients with severe depression may find it difficult and stressful to make decisions. This approach should be used cautiously and based on the client's readiness.
d. Spending time sitting with the client: This is correct and therapeutic. Spending time with the client without the pressure to engage in conversation or activities can help the client feel supported and understood. It fosters trust and shows that the nurse is there to provide support, which is especially important for someone experiencing severe depression.
A nurse is teaching about electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) with a newly licensed nurse. The nurse should identify that the newly licensed nurse understands the teaching when she states that ECT treats which of the following disorders?
A. Vegetative depression.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment primarily used for severe psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD) that is refractory to other treatments. Vegetative depression is a subtype of MDD characterized by profound disturbances in eating, sleeping, and motor functions. ECT has shown efficacy in rapidly relieving severe depressive symptoms, including those seen in vegetative depression, by inducing controlled seizures that have a positive impact on brain chemistry.
B. Narcotic addiction.
ECT is not used to treat narcotic addiction. ECT is focused on psychiatric disorders, and addiction is not within its primary scope of treatment. Narcotic addiction is typically managed through behavioral therapies, counseling, and pharmacological interventions specific to addiction treatment.
C. Eating disorder.
ECT is not a treatment for eating disorders. Eating disorders involve complex psychological and physiological factors that are distinct from the mechanisms targeted by ECT. Eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder require specialized treatments such as psychotherapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medications.
D. Personality disorder.
ECT is not commonly used to treat personality disorders. Personality disorders are deeply ingrained patterns of behavior, thoughts, and emotions, and they are not typically responsive to ECT. Treatment for personality disorders generally involves psychotherapy and, in some cases, medications to manage specific symptoms.
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following actions by the client should the nurse interpret as displaying manic behavior? (Select all that apply.).
A. Dressing in black or grey clothing.
Dressing in black or grey clothing is not a specific indicator of manic behavior. A client's choice of clothing may be influenced by personal preferences, cultural norms, or other factors unrelated to their mood state. While changes in clothing style could be associated with mood changes, it's not a definitive sign of manic behavior.
B. Spending large sums of money.
Spending large sums of money is indicative of manic behavior commonly seen in bipolar disorder's manic phase. During this phase, individuals might engage in impulsive and reckless behaviors, including excessive spending sprees, often without consideration of the consequences. This behavior is driven by the elevated mood and decreased impulse control associated with mania.
C. Interacting with others in a flirtatious way.
Interacting with others in a flirtatious way is another manifestation of manic behavior. During manic episodes, individuals might exhibit heightened sociability, increased confidence, and diminished inhibitions. Flirtatious behavior can be a result of this heightened social engagement and may not reflect the individual's typical personality traits.
D. Talking in rapid, continuous speech.
Talking in rapid, continuous speech, often referred to as "pressured speech," is a classic symptom of manic behavior. The individual talks rapidly, with abrupt topic changes and a sense of urgency. This symptom is reflective of the racing thoughts and increased energy levels experienced during a manic episode.
E. Sleeping for long periods of time.
Sleeping for long periods of time is not characteristic of manic behavior. In fact, during manic episodes, individuals often experience a decreased need for sleep, known as insomnia or hypersomnia. This reduced need for sleep contributes to the overall restlessness and high energy levels seen in mania.