Author Question: Which statement provides the best rationale for closely monitoring a severely depressed patient ... (Read 59 times)

washai · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which statement provides the best rationale for closely monitoring a severely depressed patient during antidepressant medication therapy?

a. As depression lifts, physical energy becomes available to carry out suicide.
b. Patients who previously had suicidal thoughts need to discuss their feelings.
c. For most patients, antidepressant medication results in increased suicidal thinking.
d. Suicide is an impulsive act. Antidepressant medication does not alter impulsivity.

Question 2

A depressed patient says, Nothing matters anymore. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

a. Are you having thoughts of suicide?
b. I am not sure I understand what you are trying to say.
c. Try to stay hopeful. Things have a way of working out.
d. Tell me more about what interested you before you became depressed.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Antidepressant medication has the objective of relieving depression. Risk for suicide is greater as the depression lifts, primarily because the patient has more physical energy at a time when he or she may still have suicidal ideation. The other options have little to do with nursing interventions relating to antidepressant medication therapy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The nurse must make overt what is covert; that is, the possibility of suicide must be openly addressed. The patient often feels relieved to be able to talk about suicidal ideation.