Author Question: A depressed patient who is taking a tricyclic antidepressant tells the nurse, I don't think I can ... (Read 111 times)

michelleunicorn · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A depressed patient who is taking a tricyclic antidepressant tells the nurse, I don't think I can keep taking these pills. They make me very dizzy, especially when I stand up.. The best nursing response is:

a. That is annoying, but it is something most patients are able to learn to live with as time goes on. You'll get used to the medicine's side effects..
b. The medicine can slow the body's adjustment of blood pressure when changing position; drinking more fluids and changing position slowly can help..
c. Compared to the problems caused by the depression, it seems like a relatively small annoyance to have to put up with..
d. All medicines have side effects, and this one is relatively mild. It could be that your depression is causing you to think negatively about the medicine..

Question 2

Which signs and/or symptoms should alert the caregiver to a child who is suffering from neglect?

a. Bruises and welts at various stages of healing
b. Consistently dirty, hungry, and inappropriately dressed
c. Child has torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
d. Any fracture in a child younger than 2 years of age or fractures at various stages of healing in a child of any age

bigcheese9 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B
Drowsiness, dizziness, and postural hypotension usually subside after the first few weeks of therapy with tricyclic antidepressants. Postural hypotension can be managed by teaching the patient to stay well hydrated, change positions slowly, and hold on to bedrails or other secure structures to steady oneself until dizziness subsides. Knowing these facts may be enough to convince the patient to continue the medication. Implying that the side effect should be acceptable, that the patient should adjust to it, or that the patient's concern is a result of the depression itself all ignore the potential for reducing the side effect and its consequences (e.g., fall risk) via patient education.

Answer to Question 2

B
These are only a few of the signs of neglect. Bruises and fractures are consistent with physical abuse, and torn, stained, or bloody underclothing is seen with sexual abuse.