A client, prescribed an antidepressant for symptoms of depression, is expressing feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. The nurse's response will be based on which conclusion?

Question

1. There is great variability in individual responses to drugs that affect the CNS.
2. The client has not been taking the antidepressant.
3. The antidepressant needs to be taken for several months in order to eliminate suicidal ideations.
4. Drug levels should be obtained to see if the dose needs to be increased.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: There is great client variability in symptoms and disease progression with conditions such as depression. Without a complete understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of mental disorders, pharmacotherapy of these conditions and the development of new drug therapies for CNS disorders will remain challenging.
Rationale 2: There is no indication in the stem that the client has been noncompliant in taking the medication.
Rationale 3: Suicidal clients require immediate attention.
Rationale 4: The name of the medication is not given; therefore, the need for drug levels cannot be determined from the information given.
Global Rationale: There is great client variability in symptoms and disease progression with conditions such as depression. Without a complete understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of mental disorders, pharmacotherapy of these conditions and the development of new drug therapies for CNS disorders will remain challenging. There is no indication in the stem that the client has been noncompliant in taking the medication. Suicidal clients require immediate attention. The name of the medication is not given; therefore, the need for drug levels cannot be determined from the information given.