The physician has prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) for the patient who is anxious and depressed. The patient calls the nurse to report that he has experienced delayed ejaculation since being on this medication. What is the best response by the nurse?

Question

1. "I will let your doctor know, and he will most likely change your medication."
2. "This does happen, but treating your depression is a bigger priority."
3. "I am concerned that you will become suicidal if you stop the medication."
4. "Keep taking the medicine, as this usually goes away after a few months."

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: One of the most common side effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) relates to sexual dysfunction; up to 70% or men and women can experience this. In men, delayed ejaculation and impotence may occur.
Rationale 2: It is inappropriate to tell a patient that his depression is a higher priority; sexual functioning is important to patients.
Rationale 3: The patient could become suicidal if he stops the medication, but this response does not address the patient's concern, and he will most likely stop the medicine anyway.
Rationale 4: It is inappropriate to tell a patient that the sexual dysfunction usually subsides because it does not usually subside.
Global Rationale: One of the most common side effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) relates to sexual dysfunction; up to 70% or men and women can experience this. In men, delayed ejaculation and impotence may occur. It is inappropriate to tell a patient that his depression is a higher priority; sexual functioning is important to patients. It is inappropriate to tell a patient that the sexual dysfunction usually subsides because it does not usually subside. The patient could become suicidal if he stops the medication, but this response does not address the patient's concern, and he will most likely stop the medicine anyway.