The nurse is providing teaching to a 71-year-old client who was prescribed escitalopram (Lexapro)for depression. The client is also taking medication for type II diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. What should the nurse include in her teaching?
A)The client will need to come in for more frequent monitoring.
B)The client may experience an increase in memory problems.
C)The client will not be able to drive.
D)The client will no longer need to take medication for hypertension.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Polypharmacy issues make prescribing for older adults a challenge, and older adults taking psychotropic medications such as escitalopram often require more frequent monitoring and laboratory tests. Memory problems are a symptom of depression in older adults, so any memory problems associated with depression should decrease, not increase, with treatment. Not being able to drive is often a precipitating factor for depression. The client will still need to take other prescribed medications.
B)Polypharmacy issues make prescribing for older adults a challenge, and older adults taking psychotropic medications such as escitalopram often require more frequent monitoring and laboratory tests. Memory problems are a symptom of depression in older adults, so any memory problems associated with depression should decrease, not increase, with treatment. Not being able to drive is often a precipitating factor for depression. The client will still need to take other prescribed medications.
C)Polypharmacy issues make prescribing for older adults a challenge, and older adults taking psychotropic medications such as escitalopram often require more frequent monitoring and laboratory tests. Memory problems are a symptom of depression in older adults, so any memory problems associated with depression should decrease, not increase, with treatment. Not being able to drive is often a precipitating factor for depression. The client will still need to take other prescribed medications.
D)Polypharmacy issues make prescribing for older adults a challenge, and older adults taking psychotropic medications such as escitalopram often require more frequent monitoring and laboratory tests. Memory problems are a symptom of depression in older adults, so any memory problems associated with depression should decrease, not increase, with treatment. Not being able to drive is often a precipitating factor for depression. The client will still need to take other prescribed medications.

The Nurse Is Providing Teaching to a 71-Year-Old Client Who