Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A. Improved sleep
Improved sleep is correct; an effective antidepressant can help normalize sleep patterns, which is a positive indicator of treatment efficacy.
B. Decreased anxiety
Decreased anxiety is correct; fluoxetine is also effective in treating anxiety symptoms, so a reduction indicates the medication is working.
C. Reduced appetite
Reduced appetite is incorrect; while some individuals may experience appetite changes, a reduced appetite is not an indicator of effectiveness and could indicate a side effect.
D. Weight loss
Weight loss is incorrect; while weight loss can occur, it is not a definitive measure of the effectiveness of fluoxetine and can also signify side effects.
E. Interest in physical activity
Interest in physical activity is correct; an increase in motivation and engagement in activities is a strong indicator of improvement in depressive symptoms.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Med Surg Exam Antelope Valley College Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Improved sleep is correct; an effective antidepressant can help normalize sleep patterns, which is a positive indicator of treatment efficacy.
B. Decreased anxiety is correct; fluoxetine is also effective in treating anxiety symptoms, so a reduction indicates the medication is working.
C. Reduced appetite is incorrect; while some individuals may experience appetite changes, a reduced appetite is not an indicator of effectiveness and could indicate a side effect.
D. Weight loss is incorrect; while weight loss can occur, it is not a definitive measure of the effectiveness of fluoxetine and can also signify side effects.
E. Interest in physical activity is correct; an increase in motivation and engagement in activities is a strong indicator of improvement in depressive symptoms.
Similar Questions
A client has been prescribed a tricyclic antidepressant and the nurse recognizes the client's associated risk for anticholinergic effects. What should the nurse teach the client about preventing and managing these adverse effects? (Select all that apply.)
A. Maintain good oral hygiene to minimize dry mouth.
Maintain good oral hygiene to minimize dry mouth is correct; good oral hygiene practices can help alleviate dry mouth, which is a common anticholinergic effect.
B. Void before taking the medication so urinary hesitation is less problematic.
Void before taking the medication so urinary hesitation is less problematic is correct; this strategy can help manage urinary retention, another potential side effect of tricyclic antidepressants.
C. Avoid situations where bruising or lacerations are a possibility.
Avoid situations where bruising or lacerations are a possibility is incorrect; while caution is always advisable, this statement does not directly relate to anticholinergic effects.
D. Eat several small meals daily rather than three larger meals.
Eat several small meals daily rather than three larger meals is correct; smaller meals can help mitigate gastrointestinal side effects and maintain steady blood sugar levels.
E. Use caution in situations where it may be possible to become overheated.
Use caution in situations where it may be possible to become overheated is correct; anticholinergic medications can impair thermoregulation, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Full Explanation
A. Maintain good oral hygiene to minimize dry mouth is correct; good oral hygiene practices can help alleviate dry mouth, which is a common anticholinergic effect.
B. Void before taking the medication so urinary hesitation is less problematic is correct; this strategy can help manage urinary retention, another potential side effect of tricyclic antidepressants.
C. Avoid situations where bruising or lacerations are a possibility is incorrect; while caution is always advisable, this statement does not directly relate to anticholinergic effects.
D. Eat several small meals daily rather than three larger meals is correct; smaller meals can help mitigate gastrointestinal side effects and maintain steady blood sugar levels.
E. Use caution in situations where it may be possible to become overheated is correct; anticholinergic medications can impair thermoregulation, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
A nurse is preparing to administer short-acting insulin to a patient with type 1 diabetes. Which of the following should the nurse keep in mind regarding this insulin type?
A. It has a peak effect of 4-6 hours.
It has a peak effect of 4-6 hours is incorrect; short-acting insulin typically peaks between 2 to 3 hours after administration.
B. It should be given once daily in the evening.
It should be given once daily in the evening is incorrect; short-acting insulin is usually administered before meals, not as a once-daily dose.
C. It starts to take effect within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration.
It starts to take effect within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration is correct; this timing is critical for managing blood glucose levels during meals.
D. It has a duration of action of 24 hours.
It has a duration of action of 24 hours is incorrect; short-acting insulin usually has a duration of about 3 to 6 hours.
Full Explanation
A. It has a peak effect of 4-6 hours is incorrect; short-acting insulin typically peaks between 2 to 3 hours after administration.
B. It should be given once daily in the evening is incorrect; short-acting insulin is usually administered before meals, not as a once-daily dose.
C. It starts to take effect within 30 minutes to 1 hour after administration is correct; this timing is critical for managing blood glucose levels during meals.
D. It has a duration of action of 24 hours is incorrect; short-acting insulin usually has a duration of about 3 to 6 hours.
A nurse is educating a patient about the use of famotidine. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further teaching?
A. "I will take this medication at bedtime to help with my symptoms."
"I will take this medication at bedtime to help with my symptoms." is correct; famotidine is often taken at bedtime to reduce nocturnal gastric acid secretion and help manage symptoms.
B. "I can take this medication with antacids for faster relief."
"I can take this medication with antacids for faster relief." is incorrect; antacids can interfere with the absorption of famotidine, and patients should be advised to separate the doses by at least an hour.
C. "I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication."
"I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication." is correct; alcohol can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and should generally be avoided.
D. "I will monitor for signs of unusual bleeding or bruising."
"I will monitor for signs of unusual bleeding or bruising." is correct; while famotidine is not typically associated with bleeding risks, monitoring for signs of unusual bleeding is a good practice when taking any medication, particularly in patients with risk factors.
Full Explanation
A. "I will take this medication at bedtime to help with my symptoms." is correct; famotidine is often taken at bedtime to reduce nocturnal gastric acid secretion and help manage symptoms.
B. "I can take this medication with antacids for faster relief." is incorrect; antacids can interfere with the absorption of famotidine, and patients should be advised to separate the doses by at least an hour.
C. "I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication." is correct; alcohol can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and should generally be avoided.
D. "I will monitor for signs of unusual bleeding or bruising." is correct; while famotidine is not typically associated with bleeding risks, monitoring for signs of unusual bleeding is a good practice when taking any medication, particularly in patients with risk factors.