Author Question: The client says to the nurse, I'm worried that this new antidepressant may not be working because I ... (Read 37 times)

crobinson2013 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The client says to the nurse, I'm worried that this new antidepressant may not be working because I always feel tired after taking it in the morning. The nursing response should be based on what principle?

1. Antidepressants can have a sedating effect.
2. Antidepressants only have a stimulant effect.
3. Antidepressants that cause sedation usually cause tremors.
4. Antidepressants that cause sedation are not effective.

Question 2

The white blood cell count of the client on clozapine (Clozaril) is 2.8. What action should the nurse take?

1. Hold the medication and call the psychiatrist.
2. Administer the medication and monitor the next count.
3. Monitor the client for orthostatic hypotension.
4. Check to see if the thyroid levels are normal.

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

Answer to Question 1

1
Rationale: Although sedation can be an adverse reaction from an antidepressant and appear similar to the fatigue of depression, it can usually be managed by taking the medication at bedtime. Antidepressants are not stimulants and there is no correlation between sedation and tremors.

Answer to Question 2

1
Rationale: Agranulocytosis, a marked decrease in white blood cell counts, is a serious side effect of this medication. It should be held and stopped by the prescriber before the client gets a serious infection. Thyroid levels are not related to agranulocytosis and neither is orthostatic hypotension.