Assignment: Reuptake Inhibitors

Assignment: Reuptake Inhibitors

Assignment: Reuptake Inhibitors

Question 14. When a patient is on selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors: The complete blood count must be monitored every three to four months Therapeutic blood levels must be monitored every six months after a steady state is achieved. Blood glucose must be monitored every three to four months. There is no laboratory monitoring required. Question 15. In choosing a benzodiazepam to treat anxiety, the prescriber needs to be aware of the possibility of dependence. The benzodiazepam with the greatest likelihood of rapidly developing dependence is: Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) Clonazepam (Klonopin) Alprazolam (Xanax) Oxazepam (Serax) Question 16. Jaycee has been on escitalopram (Lexapro) for a year and is willing to try tapering off of the selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors. What is the initial dosage adjustment when starting a taper off antidepressants? Change the dose to every other day dosing for a week. Reduce the dose by 50% for three to four days. Reduce the dose by 50% every other day. Escitalopram (Lexapro) can be stopped abruptly due to its long half-life. Question 17. When prescribing Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) to adults with ADHD, the nurse practitioner will need to monitor: The blood pressure Blood glucose levels Urine ketone levels Liver function Question 18. Cynthia is taking valproate (Depakote) for seizures and would like to get pregnant. What advice would you give her? Valproate is safe during all trimesters of pregnancy. She can get pregnant while taking valproate, but she should take adequate folic acid. Valproate is not safe at any time during pregnancy. Valproate is a known teratogen but may be taken after the first trimester if necessary. Question 19. Jack, eight years old, has attention deficit disorder (ADD) and is prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin). He and his parents should be educated about the side effects of methylphenidate, which are: Slurred speech and insomnia Bradycardia and confusion Dizziness and orthostatic hypotension Insomnia and decreased appetite Question 20. The tricyclic antidepressants should be prescribed cautiously in patients with: Eczema Asthma Diabetes Heart disease