Which statement provides the best rationale for why a nurse should closely monitor a severely depressed patient during antidepressant medication therapy?
A) As depression lifts, physical energy becomes available to carry out suicide.
B) Suicide may be precipitated by a variety of internal and external events.
C) Suicidal patients have difficulty using social supports.
D) Suicide is an impulsive act.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Antidepressant medication has the objective of relieving depression. The risk for suicide is greater as the depression lifts, primarily because the patient has more physical energy at a time when he or she may still have suicidal ideation. The other options have little to do with nursing interventions relating to antidepressant medication therapy.

Which Statement Provides the Best Rationale for Why a Nurse