While the nurse is performing a physical assessment, the patient begins to cry and states, "I just can't seem to be happy. I thought the reserpine I was prescribed would help my chronic depression and my high blood pressure."

Question

Which of the following is the best nursing response to the patient?
a. Explain to the patient that the medication is not indicated for depression; depression is actually a side effect of the medication. The patient should speak to the prescriber about alternative medications.
b. Reassure the patient that the medication takes about 3 weeks for full effectiveness to treat both hypertension and depression.
c. Explain to the patient that the depression will last only a few days.
d. Have a psychiatric consult ordered.

Answer 1

ANS: A
Reserpine can produce severe depression, which may persist for months during drug therapy and after the drug is withdrawn. Reserpine is not used to treat chronic depression, therefore the patient should speak to the prescriber about alternative medications to treat hypertension and chronic depression.
Reassuring the patient does not address the depression, which this medication does not treat. Depression is a side effect of this medication. The patient should speak to the prescriber about alternative medications.
Depression is a side effect of reserpine, and there is no time frame for how long the depression might last.
A psychiatric consult is not warranted at this time. The patient needs to speak to the prescriber about alternative medications that address both chronic depression and hypertension.