By which mechanism do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ...

[lak]

By which mechanism do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) improve depression?
 
  a. Destroying increased amounts of serotonin
  b. Making more serotonin available at the synaptic gap
  c. Increasing production of acetylcholine and dopamine
  d. Blocking muscarinic and a1 norepinephrine receptors

Question 2

A nurse caring for a patient taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) will develop outcome criteria related to:
 
  a. coherent thought processes.
  b. improvement in depression.
  c. reduced levels of motor activity.
  d. decreased extrapyramidal symptoms.

[leahchrapun]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Depression is thought to be related to lowered availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin. SSRIs act by blocking reuptake of serotonin, leaving a higher concentration available at the synaptic cleft. SSRIs prevent destruction of serotonin. SSRIs have little or no effect on acetylcholine and dopamine production. SSRIs do not produce muscarinic or a1 norepinephrine blockade.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
SSRIs affect mood, relieving depression in many cases. SSRIs do not act to reduce thought disorders. SSRIs reduce depression but have little effect on motor hyperactivity. SSRIs do not produce extrapyramidal symptoms.