A TCA is prescribed for a patient newly diagnosed with ...

[jman1234]

A TCA is prescribed for a patient newly diagnosed with depression. What information should be included in patient teaching?
 
  a. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
  b. Do not eat aged cheese while using this medication.
  c. You might experience sweating, tremors, and excessive urination.
  d. It might be 2 weeks or more before you notice the effects of this medicine.

Question 2

A newly admitted patient is withdrawn and does not seek out interaction with staff or patients. Nursing interventions should focus on which element of the treatment environment?
 
  a. Norms
  b. Safety
  c. Structure
  d. Limit-setting

[taylorsonier]

Answer to Question 1

D
Antidepressant effects might take several weeks to be noticeable. Avoidance of tyramine (as is present in aged cheeses) is necessary for MAOI therapy but not for TCAs. It is not necessary to take TCAs on an empty stomach. Sweating, tremors, and urination problems are not commonly experienced with TCA therapy.

Answer to Question 2

C
Structure refers to the physical environment, regulations, and daily schedule of classes and groups provided. The unit activities will provide an opportunity for the nurse to interface with the patient to develop a trusting relationship. The other treatment environment elements are important but are of lower priority for this patient.

[jman1234]

TYSM

[bulacsom]

Excellent