A client calls her primary care provider requesting a prescription for an antidepressant medication. She tells the nurse that she is severely depressed and would like the prescription called in to her local pharmacy. How should the nurse respond?

Question

a. The nurse encourages the client to see a psychiatric professional for an evaluation to obtain the prescription.
b. The nurse tells the client to ask the pharmacist to recommend an over-the-counter antidepressant.
c. The nurse can offer to write the client a prescription if it is a refill.
d. The nurse offers to give the client a few samples to use until her next appointment.

Answer 1

a. The nurse encourages the client to see a psychiatric professional for an evaluation to obtain the prescription.
FEEDBACK:
a. The client should be encouraged to seek a psychiatric professional evaluation to obtain the prescription.
b. Antidepressants are not sold as over-the-counter medications; a prescription is required. Try again.
c. The nurse cannot write a prescription without evaluating the client. Try again.
d. Samples are not given out to a client who has not been evaluated by a practitioner. Try again.