C HAPTER 16: P SYCHOTHERAPEUTIC
D RUGS
Lilley: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. While monitoring a depressed patient who has just started SSRI
antidepressant therapy, the nurse will observe for which problem during
the earl y time frame of this therapy?
a. Hypertensive crisis
b. Self-injury or suicidal tendencies
c. Extrapyramidal symptoms
d. Loss of appetite
ANS: B
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued black box
warnings regarding the use of all classes of antidepressants in both
adult and pediatric patie nt populations. Data from the FDA indicated a
higher risk for suicide in patients receiving these medications. As a
result, current recommendations for all patients receiving
antidepressants include regular monitoring for signs of worsening
depressive symptoms, especiall y when the medication is started or the
dosage is changed. The other options are incorrect.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Reduction of Risk
Potential
, 2. A patient has been admitted to the emergency department with a suspected
overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant. The nurse will prepare for what
immediate concern?
a. Hypertension
b. Renal failure
c. Cardiac dysrhythmias
d. Gastrointestinal bleeding
ANS: C
Tricyclic antid epressant overdoses are notoriousl y lethal. The primary
organ systems affected are the central nervous system and the
cardiovascular system, and death usuall y results from either seizures or
dysrhythmias.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
3. The wife of a patient who has been diagnosed with depression calls the
office and says, “It’s been an entire week since he started that new
medicine for his depression, and there ’s no change! The medicine is not
working!” What is the nurse‘s best response?
a. “The medication may not be effective for him. He may need to try
another t ype. ”
b. “It may take 4 to 6 weeks to notice any therapeutic effects. Let ’s
wait a little longer to see how he does. ”
c. “It sounds like the dose is not high enough. I ’ll check about
increasing the dosage. ”
D RUGS
Lilley: Pharmacology and the Nursing Process, 10th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. While monitoring a depressed patient who has just started SSRI
antidepressant therapy, the nurse will observe for which problem during
the earl y time frame of this therapy?
a. Hypertensive crisis
b. Self-injury or suicidal tendencies
c. Extrapyramidal symptoms
d. Loss of appetite
ANS: B
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued black box
warnings regarding the use of all classes of antidepressants in both
adult and pediatric patie nt populations. Data from the FDA indicated a
higher risk for suicide in patients receiving these medications. As a
result, current recommendations for all patients receiving
antidepressants include regular monitoring for signs of worsening
depressive symptoms, especiall y when the medication is started or the
dosage is changed. The other options are incorrect.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Reduction of Risk
Potential
, 2. A patient has been admitted to the emergency department with a suspected
overdose of a tricyclic antidepressant. The nurse will prepare for what
immediate concern?
a. Hypertension
b. Renal failure
c. Cardiac dysrhythmias
d. Gastrointestinal bleeding
ANS: C
Tricyclic antid epressant overdoses are notoriousl y lethal. The primary
organ systems affected are the central nervous system and the
cardiovascular system, and death usuall y results from either seizures or
dysrhythmias.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Appl ying (Application)
TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NC LEX: Physiological Integrit y: Pharmacological and
Parenteral Therapies
3. The wife of a patient who has been diagnosed with depression calls the
office and says, “It’s been an entire week since he started that new
medicine for his depression, and there ’s no change! The medicine is not
working!” What is the nurse‘s best response?
a. “The medication may not be effective for him. He may need to try
another t ype. ”
b. “It may take 4 to 6 weeks to notice any therapeutic effects. Let ’s
wait a little longer to see how he does. ”
c. “It sounds like the dose is not high enough. I ’ll check about
increasing the dosage. ”
