Author Question: A patient diagnosed with depression has been taking paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg PO daily for the past ... (Read 89 times)

evelyn o bentley · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient diagnosed with depression has been taking paroxetine (Paxil) 10mg PO daily for the past month. The patient presents to the clinic with complaints of restlessness and abdominal pain. Which factor does the nurse consider during the assessment?

1. The patient has been taking medication with grapefruit juice at breakfast.
2. The patient is experiencing severe side effects and will be taken off the medication.
3. The patient is taking too much of the drug and is experiencing unexpected side effects.
4. The patient expresses that she is nervous that the side effects will increase with continued use.

Question 2

The nurse knows that depression is the primary abnormal mood state for patients who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder. What other mood state might the nurse recognize in the patient with bipolar disorder?

1. Hypomania
2. Hypersexuality
3. Inappropriate intimacy
4. Exaggerated sense of importance

tuate · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1
Explanation: Paxil is an SSRI and grapefruit juice may increase the plasma levels, thereby increasing the common side effects of insomnia, early agitation or restlessness, sweating, GI disturbance, weight gain, and sexual side effects. Side effects are minimized by starting at low doses and titrating slowly; the patient is on the lowest dose. Side effects lessen with continued drug use. Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation is discouraged.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 1
Explanation: Hypomania is a mood state of continuing elevated, expansive, irritability that does not impair function. Hypersexuality, inappropriate intimacy, and exaggerated sense of importance are symptoms seen in patients with bipolar disorder, but they are not mood states.