Author Question: Andy has been taking a prescription antidepressant for 10 weeks and reports feeling less depressed ... (Read 133 times)

piesebel · **on:** Jul 12, 2018

Andy has been taking a prescription antidepressant for 10 weeks and reports feeling less depressed since he began taking the medication.

How can Andy be certain that his response isn't attributable to the placebo effect? Can he? And if not, what could he do to increase his understanding of his drug response?
What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Distinguish between nurse practitioners (NPs), registered nurses (RNs), and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), comparing training and responsibilities.

What will be an ideal response?

ErinKing · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 12, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Answer will vary. Students may discuss concepts similar to the following:
He cannot be certain. Researchers agree that expectations do influence human physiology. Not only mood, but pain and observable physical signs such as tremor respond to the placebo effect. Andy could conduct some research into the drug that he is taking, reading the published clinical studies or at least the abstracts of the studies. He could also ask his prescriber for more thorough information about the evidence for the effectiveness of the drug.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who obtain additional training and certification, typically through a master's degree program or specialized NP program. They may conduct or order diagnostic tests and, in many states, prescribe medication. Registered nurses typically have either a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) or a 2-year associate's degree in nursing (ADN). They must then pass a national certification exam in nursing. Licensed practical/vocational nurses typically have completed a 1-year or 2-year training program, often at a community college or in a large hospital, and have passed a licensing exam.