A client with depression is to begin treatment with an antidepressant medication. In performing the initial assessment, what is the most important question for the nurse to ask?
1. "Are you allergic to any medications?"
2. "How long have you been depressed?"
3. "Have you had any thoughts about killing yourself?"
4. "How much alcohol do you consume during the week?"
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Asking about allergies is a good safety question but is not the priority with a depressed client, and there are very few allergies to antidepressant medication. This question can be asked later.
Rationale 2: The length of the client's depression is important but is not a safety issue.
Rationale 3: The nurse should always assess for suicidal ideation in any depressed client who is about to begin antidepressant treatment. The medication takes several weeks before the full benefit is obtained. This is a safety issue.
Rationale 4: Assessing for alcohol intake is important but is not a safety issue.
Global Rationale: The nurse should always assess for suicidal ideation in any depressed client who is about to begin antidepressant treatment. The medication takes several weeks before the full benefit is obtained. This is a safety issue. Asking about allergies is a good safety question but is not the priority with a depressed client, and there are very few allergies to antidepressant medication. This question can be asked later. The length of the client's depression is important but is not a safety issue. Assessing for alcohol intake is important but is not a safety issue.
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