The patient has been depressed and the physician plans to begin ...

[K@]

The patient has been depressed and the physician plans to begin treatment with an antidepressant medication. In performing the initial assessment, what is the most important question for the nurse to ask?
 
  1. How much alcohol do you consume during the week?
  2. Are you allergic to any medications?
  3. How long have you been depressed?
  4. Have you had any thoughts about killing yourself?

Question 2

The physician has prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for the patient who is anxious and depressed. The patient calls the nurse to report that he has experienced delayed ejaculation since being on this medication. What is the best response by the nurse?
 
  1. I will let your doctor know, and he will most likely change your medication.
  2. This does happen, but treating your depression is a bigger priority.
  3. I am concerned that you will become suicidal if you stop the medication.
  4. Keep taking the medicine, as this usually goes away after a few months.

[reelove4eva]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale: The nurse should always assess for suicidal ideation in any depressed patient who is about to begin antidepressant treatment. The medication takes several weeks before the full benefit is obtained. This is a safety issue. The length of the patient's depression is important, but is not a safety issue. Assessing for alcohol intake is important, but is not a safety issue. Asking about allergies is a good safety question, but is not the priority with a depressed patient, and there are very few allergies to antidepressant medication. This question can be asked later.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: One of the most common side effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) relates to sexual dysfunction; up to 70 or men and women can experience this. In men, delayed ejaculation and impotence may occur. It is inappropriate to tell a patient that his depression is a higher priority, sexual functioning is important to patients. It is inappropriate to tell a patient that the sexual function usually subsides because it does not usually subside. The patient could become suicidal if he stops the medication, but this response does not address the patient's concern, and he will most likely stop the medicine anyway.

[K@]

TYSM

[Zebsrer]

Excellent