What information concerning amitriptyline (Elavil) 50 mg tid ...

[Beheh]

What information concerning amitriptyline (Elavil) 50 mg tid would the nurse give the patient regarding the expected outcome of this medication therapy?
 
  a. Complying with this therapy will cure your depression.
  b. This medication is expected to improve brain chemical imbalance.
  c. Amitriptyline will help re-establish your ability to think clearly again.
  d. Elavil will be particularly effective at assisting you in regaining your independ-ence.

Question 2

Which principle should the nurse apply when planning nursing care for a patient who was voluntarily admitted after a suicide attempt?
 
  a. Patients who attempt suicide and fail will not try again.
  b. The more specific the plan, the greater the risk for suicide.
  c. Patients who talk about suicide are less likely to attempt it.
  d. Patients who attempt suicide and fail do not really want to die.

[Pamela.irrgang@yahoo.com]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Antidepressant medication works by re-establishing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine. Antidepressants do not promise a cure for depression. Cognitive therapy, rather than antidepressants, addresses thinking issues. Learned helplessness is addressed by cognitive therapy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Patients whose suicidal ideation includes a vague, diffuse plan or no plan at all are not at as high a risk for attempting suicide as an individual who has a well-developed plan and the means to carry it out. The nurse will need to continually reassess the patient. None of the re-maining options are true statements concerning suicide attempts.

[Beheh]

Thank you

[Pamela.irrgang@yahoo.com]

No problemo