A patient tells the nurse that he is experiencing gastrointestinal problems since he began taking a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression. Which response by the nurse would be most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

3. SSRIs attaching to serotonin receptors in the digestive tract can cause digestive problems. Taking a small amount of food with the SSRI can alleviate these symptoms if they occur. Taking the medication on an empty stomach or taking it at bedtime will not help resolve the patient's symptoms. Although water soluble medications should be taken with water to assist in absorption, taking the medication with food will be more likely to alleviate GI distress.

A Patient Tells the Nurse That He Is Experiencing Gastrointestinal