A patient was started on escitalopram (Lexapro) 5 days ago and now says, "This medicine isn't working." The nurse's best intervention would be to:
a. discuss with the health care provider the need to change medications.
b. reassure the patient that the medication will be effective soon.
c. explain the time lag before antidepressants relieve symptoms.
d. critically assess the patient for symptom relief.
ANS: C
Escitalopram is an SSRI antidepressant. Between 1 and 3 weeks of treatment are usually necessary before a relief of symptoms occurs. This information is important to share with patients.
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A nurse is teaching a nursing student how to care for patients in the perioperative period. Which statement by the student about preventing postoperative infections indicates a need for further teaching?
a. "Applying hexachlorophene to the opera-tive site preoperatively will help prevent infection." b. "It is important to ensure that all surgical instruments have been sterilized appro-priately." c. "Operating room personnel should all perform a presurgical scrub with antimi-crobial soap." d. "Preventing contamination by microor-ganisms in the environment is the most important perioperative measure."
A nurse researcher wants a good mix of experts to review a survey addressing RNs' knowledge about nutritional assessment and support. The nurse researcher should be sure to invite which group of individuals to participate?
A) The faculty from the nearest school of nursing B) A group of bench researchers from the medical school C) Three RNs who belong to the national gastrointestinal nurses association D) Clergy who work with hospice patients and their families
Why are erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) prescribed for patients with chronic kidney disease?
a. To protect the kidney from further hypoxic damage during anemia episodes b. To improve blood cell counts and reduce the need for blood transfusions c. To prevent vein thromboembolism during periods of dehydration d. To reduce the risk of uric acid precipitation and renal failure
A nurse notes an increase in serosanguineous drainage from a patient's incision. The most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to
1. Notify the physician of increasing amounts of clear drainage. 2. Draw a circle around the drainage and write the date, time, and initials on the dressing. 3. Change the dressing to decrease the patient's risk for infection. 4. Immediately call the laboratory and order a white blood cell (WBC) count.