A patient who is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) informs ...

[Metfan725]

A patient who is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) informs the nurse that she plans to become pregnant. What does the nurse include in a care plan for the patient about this drug?
 
  a. This drug is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
  b. The prescriber will most likely decrease your dose while you are pregnant.
  c. You may take this drug during pregnancy, but should not use it if you plan to breastfeed.
  d. This drug should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Question 2

A patient who was prescribed citalopram (Celexa) 1 week ago for depression reports feeling no different now from 1 week ago and wants to stop taking the drug. What is the nurse's best re-sponse?
 
  a. Treatment for depression is highly individual and this may not be the right drug for you.
  b. Most drugs for depression take at least 2 weeks to start making you feel better.
  c. Are you certain that you are taking the drug exactly the way it was prescribed?
  d. Be sure to stop smoking because cigarette smoking inactivates this drug.

[fdliggud]

Answer to Question 1

D
Thiazide diuretics should be avoided during pregnancy because they may cause side effects in the newborn, including jaundice and low potassium levels. Thiazide diuretics should also be avoided during breastfeeding because they pass into breast milk. The action of these drugs may decrease the flow of breast milk.

Answer to Question 2

B
Citalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting reuptake. This drug begins inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin immediately but the patient's symptoms often do not respond for 2 to 8 weeks. In order to know whether this is an effective drug for a particular patient, he or she needs to take the drug daily for at least 8 weeks.

[Metfan725]

TY

[fdliggud]

You're welcome