A client taking amitriptyline (Elavil) for two weeks tells the ...

[lidoalex]

A client taking amitriptyline (Elavil) for two weeks tells the nurse that the medication isn't working because feelings of depression continue. Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?
 
  1. This might not be the best medicine for you; I'll call your doctor.
  2. You might still feel depressed, but you are looking much better.
  3. It is working, but it can take several months to have an effect.
  4. It is working, but it can take several weeks to have an effect.

Question 2

The nurse is conducting a group education session for clients who have been diagnosed with depression. The nurse evaluates the education as effective when a client makes which comments about the cause of depression?
 
  Standard Text: Select all that apply.
  1. Depression results from parents who are cold and distant and don't really care about their children.
  2. Depression results from unresolved conflicts in your childhood.
  3. We really don't know what causes depression; it has not been studied very much.
  4. Depression can be an inherited illness.
  5. Depression has many causes; they could include environmental as well as brain-based disorders.

[l.stuut]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 4
Rationale 1: It is inappropriate for the nurse to call the health care provider; tricyclic antidepressants need time to work.
Rationale 2: Telling depressed clients they look better negates their feelings and is inappropriate.
Rationale 3: The time frame for efficacy is several weeks, not several months.
Rationale 4: The therapeutic effects of tricyclic antidepressants can take 26 weeks to appear.
Global Rationale: The therapeutic effects of tricyclic antidepressants can take 26 weeks to appear. It is inappropriate for the nurse to call the health care provider; tricyclic antidepressants need time to work. Telling depressed clients they look better negates their feelings and is inappropriate. The time frame for efficacy is several weeks, not several months.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 4,5
Rationale 1: Depression does not necessarily result from cold or distant parents.
Rationale 2: Environmental influences are only one of the causes of depression; this answer does not include the biological basis for depression.
Rationale 3: Depression has been studied extensively.
Rationale 4: Depression has many causes; it is a brain-based disorder that is exacerbated by environmental influences. Depression runs in families, supporting a genetic link.
Rationale 5: Depression has many causes; it is a brain-based disorder that is exacerbated by environmental influences. Depression runs in families, supporting a genetic link.
Global Rationale: Depression has many causes; it is a brain-based disorder that is exacerbated by environmental influences. Depression runs in families, supporting a genetic link. Depression does not necessarily result from cold or distant parents. Environmental influences are only one of the causes of depression; this answer does not include the biological basis for depression. Depression has been studied extensively.