A patient who is taking amitriptyline (Elavil) reports constipation and dry mouth. The nurse will give the patient which instruction?
a. Increase fluid intake.
b. Notify the provider.
c. Request another antidepressant.
d. Stop taking the medication immediately.
ANS: A
Constipation and dry mouth are common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and patients should be taught to manage these symptoms. There is no need to notify the provider or to switch medications unless the side effects become too uncomfortable. Patients should not stop taking TCAs abruptly.
You might also like to view...
When using a Doppler ultrasonic stethoscope, the nurse recognizes venous flow when which sound is heard?
a. Low humming sound b. Regular "lub, dub" pattern c. Swishing, whooshing sound d. Steady, even, flowing sound
In assessing a client for toxicity while receiving antimalarial agents, the nurse should observe for:
a. fever. c. bleeding. b. insomnia. d. seizures.
Paralinguistic communication cues include:
a. words b. tone of voice c. facial expression while talking d. patting the listener's hand while talking
A client is brought to the emergency department after having overdosed on cocaine. When assessing the client, which of the following would the nurse expect to find? Select all that apply
A) Euphoria B) Seizures C) Cardiac arrhythmia D) Paranoia E) Dilated pupils