Author Question: The physician has prescribed a brand name drug for the client. The client tells the nurse that the ... (Read 89 times)

ashley · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The physician has prescribed a brand name drug for the client. The client tells the nurse that the medication is too expensive. What is the best plan by the nurse?

1. Help the client receive free medicine through a patient assistance program.
2. Ask the physician if a cheaper brand name drug may be substituted.
3. Ask the physician if a generic drug may be substituted.
4. Maintain the client on samples of the brand name drug from the physician's office.

Question 2

The physician ordered a brand name drug for the client, paroxetine (Paxil). After taking this medication for a year, the client tells the nurse that it is no longer working. What is the best assessment of the nurse at this time?

1. This sounds like your medication needs changing.
2. Let's look for interactions with other medications you are taking.
3. Are you taking Paxil or paroxetine?
4. It is time for us to do the Beck Depression assessment again.

jointhecircus · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Generic drugs are much less costly than brand name drugs. A patient assistance program is a good idea, but since the client may not qualify for this it is not the best plan. Another brand name drug may not be what the client needs for the illness. Providing samples is an option, but the office may temporarily run out of samples and the client will not receive the medication.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: The bioavailability of a generic drug may not be the same as the bioavailability of a brand name drug. Assessing for worsening of depression is appropriate, but the nurse should first assess if the patient has changed to a generic form of the drug. Assessing for interactions with other drugs is appropriate, but the nurse should first assess if the patient has changed to a generic form of the drug. Considering a change in medication is appropriate, but the nurse should first assess if the patient has changed to a generic form of the drug.