Author Question: An older adult recently diagnosed with depression asks, How long it will take for antidepressant ... (Read 79 times)

mia · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

An older adult recently diagnosed with depression asks, How long it will take for antidepressant medication to make me feel better? The nurse responds:

a. It can take several different medications before we find the one that works best for you.
b. Please be patient; brain chemistry can take several weeks to change.
c. It can take up to 3 months for the full effects of the medication to be felt.
d. Take the medication as it is prescribed and everyday will be a little better.

Question 2

An older adult who recently moved to an assisted living facility expresses concern that the apartment is not close to the emergency exit stairs. During a routine fire drill, she becomes very agitated and pushes another resident over as she quickly runs to

to the exit stairs. Which intervention has priority in helping the client manage these fears?
a. Providing instructions on safe procedures during a fire drill
b. Establishing a supportive nurse-client relationship
c. Moving the client to an apartment close to the exit stairs
d. Encouraging discussions related to the factors causing the fear

EAN94 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
It can take up to 12 weeks of treatment to elicit a full response. It may take several different attempts to identify the most effective antidepressant and it is true that brain chemistry takes time to re-adjust, but those responses do not provide the client with an answer to the question. There are no guarantees and the client should not be led to believe there are any.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Effective coping with extremely traumatic events that create intense fear and helplessness is associated with secure and supportive relationships, which are a result of the ability to freely express or fully suppress the distressing experience. Establishing a supportive relationship and allowing her to discuss her fears are directed toward the provision of a safe and supportive relationship. While the other options are not inappropriate, they do not have priority over the correct option.