A nurse recently admitted a client to an inpatient unit after a suicide attempt. A health-care provider orders amitriptyline (Elavil) for the client
Which intervention, related to this medication, should be initiated to maintain this client's safety upon discharge? 1. Provide a 6-month supply of Elavil to ensure long-term compliance.
2. Provide a 1-week supply of Elavil, with refills contingent on follow-up appointments.
3. Provide pill dispenser as a memory aid.
4. Provide education regarding the avoidance of foods containing tyramine.
2
Rationale: The health-care provider should provide no more than a 1-week supply of amitriptyline, with refills contingent on follow-up appointments, as an appropriate intervention to maintain the client's safety. Antidepressants, which are central nervous system depressants, can be used to commit suicide. Also these medications can precipitate suicidal thoughts during the initial use period. Limiting the amount of medication and monitoring the client weekly would be appropriate interventions to address the client's risk for suicide.
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The oncology nurse is working with patients from many cultural backgrounds. When assessing pain, the nurse should recall that members of which cultural group are more likely to remain quiet when experiencing severe pain?
1. Hispanic 2. Asian 3. Italian 4. Jewish
A client is receiving rituximab (Rituxan) and asks how it works. What response by the nurse is best?
a. "It causes rapid lysis of the cancer cell membranes." b. "It destroys the enzymes needed to create cancer cells." c. "It prevents the start of cell division in the cancer cells." d. "It sensitizes certain cancer cells to chemotherapy."
A nurse is caring for a 14-year-old with a gastrostomy tube. The girl has skin breakdown and irritation at the insertion site. Which of the following would be the most appropriate method to clean and secure the gastrostomy tube?
A) Make sure the tube cannot be moved in and out of the child's stomach. B) Use adhesive tape to tape the tube in place and prevent movement. C) Place a transparent dressing over the site whether there is drainage or not. D) If any drainage is present, use a presplit 2 × 2 and place it loosely around the site.
List at least five facts or pieces of information that you should obtain in shift report.
What will be an ideal response?