A nurse is educating the parents of a child diagnosed with major ...

[erika]

A nurse is educating the parents of a child diagnosed with major depression prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The parents do not want to fill the prescription because they have heard SSRIs increase the risk of suicide in children
 
  Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
  A.
  I will convey your concerns to your health-care provider.
  B.
  If you don't want your child to take the medication, don't fill it.
  C.
  SSRIs have been used for many years to treat depression.
  D.
  This information is controversial, so watch your child carefully.

Question 2

Parents of a teen diagnosed with schizophrenia report being exhausted and overly stressed. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
 
  A.
  Ask if the parents are getting enough sleep.
  B.
  Assess if the family is still in counseling.
  C.
  Refer the family to a support organization.
  D.
  Request medication to calm the parents.

[meryzewe]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Studies result in conflicting information on this topic; the FDA has issued a black box warning for increased risk of suicide in youths taking SSRIs, but subsequent studies have shown this class of drug to be effective in reducing suicidal ideation. The parents should be educated and instructed to watch their child carefully, no matter what medication is prescribed.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Families with schizophrenia (along with families dealing with any difficult chronic condition) should be referred to support organizations. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is one such organization. Assessing for sleep is a good idea, but not comprehensive enough. The family should remain in counseling, but, again, this option is not comprehensive enough and does not provide the family with an action plan. Requesting medication for the family does not help the family learn coping strategies.