Author Question: A 34-year-old man was diagnosed with depression several weeks ago and began taking citalopram ... (Read 88 times)

cartlidgeashley · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A 34-year-old man was diagnosed with depression several weeks ago and began taking citalopram (Celexa) 10 days ago.

He has now scheduled an appointment at the clinic and has told the nurse that he intends to stop taking the drug, stating, I don't feel any less depressed than I did before I started taking these pills. How should the nurse best respond to the patient's statement? A) I'll pass that information along to your care provider; a different drug might be more appropriate for you.
B) I'd encourage you to continue with the drug; it can take several weeks before it improves your mood.
C) People who take this drug often think they don't feel better because the changes in mood are incremental and subtle.
D) It could be that one of the other medications or supplements you're taking is negating the effects of Celexa.

Question 2

A 55-year-old female patient was successfully treated for thyroid storm earlier in the year. In subsequent health education, the nurse should caution the patient against excessive intake of what foods?

A) Seafood and kelp
B) Leafy green vegetables and beef
C) Purine-rich foods
D) Red wine and aged cheeses

Mholman93 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
Steady-state blood levels of SSRIs are achieved slowly, over several weeks. This aspect of pharmacokinetics is more likely than a possible drug interaction. The patient should expect to sense an eventual improvement in mood, and it would be premature to change medications.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
Iodine is associated with thyroid storm and is present in foods (especially seafood and kelp) and in radiographic contrast dyes. Reports of iodine-induced hyperthyroidism have been reported after ingestion of dietary sources of iodine.