A nurse reviews the medication list of a client with a 20-year history of diabetes mellitus.The client holds up the bottle of prescribed duloxetine (Cymbalta)and states,"My cousin has depression and is taking this drug.Do you think I'm depressed?" How should the nurse respond?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Damage along nerves causes peripheral neuropathy and leads to burning pain along the nerves.Many drugs,including duloxetine (Cymbalta),can be used to treat peripheral neuropathy.The nurse should assess the client for this condition and then should provide an explanation of why this drug is being used.This medication,although it is used for depression,is not being used for that reason in this case.Duloxetine does not have anti-inflammatory properties.Telling the client that many medications are used for different disorders does not provide the client with enough information to be useful.

A Nurse Reviews the Medication List of a Client with a 20-Year