A patient has been taking fluoxetine (Prozac) for 11 months and reports feeling cured of depression
The nurse learns that the patient is sleeping well, participates in usual activities, and feels upbeat and energetic most of the time. The patient's weight has returned to normal. What will the nurse tell this patient?
a. Indefinite drug therapy is necessary to maintain remission.
b. Discuss gradual withdrawal of the medication with the provider.
c. Stop the drug while remaining alert for the return of symptoms.
d. Take a drug holiday to see whether symptoms recur.
ANS: B
Abrupt discontinuation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause a withdrawal syndrome, so these drugs should be withdrawn gradually. After symptoms are in remission, treatment should continue for 4 to 9 months to prevent relapse; these drugs are not taken indefinitely. It is incorrect to counsel the patient to stop taking the drug without tapering it. Drug holidays are used to minimize sexual dysfunction side effects, not to monitor symptoms.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is assessing a patient with primary hypertension that has been well controlled for the past year. Today, the patient has an abnormally high BP
After interviewing the patient, the nurse realizes that the patient is experiencing rebound hypertension due to: A) Discontinuation of drug therapy B) A change in exercise routine C) A weight gain of 10 lbs. over the past year D) Atherosclerotic changes in vessels that supply vital organs
Which of the following is the change theory proposed by Lewin?
a. Phases of change c. Diffusion of innovations theory b. Six-step change model d. Force-field model
The nurse and the mother of an infant are discussing the introduction of solid foods into her child's diet
Which of the following statements made by the mother reflects the best understanding of the most appropriate manner to introduce new foods? 1. "Both my husband and I have allergies, so I am very cautious about introducing anything new into her diet." 2. "I'm a fussy eater, and so are my other children; but I will offer her a variety of foods so she will have a good appetite." 3. "I'll start with nonwheat cereal and then vegetables; one new food a week so I can see if something doesn't agree with her." 4. "My other children just loved solids and really were a joy to feed; I expect she will be as receptive to new foods as they were."
Which is an example of a natural disaster?
a. Transportation accident b. Pollution c. Communicable disease epidemic d. Fire