A patient has been prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. After taking the new medication, the patient states, "This medication isn't working. I don't feel any different." What is the best response by the nurse?
A) "I will call your care provider. Perhaps you need a different medication."
B) "Don't worry. You can try taking it at a different time of day to help it work better."
C) "It usually takes a few weeks for you to notice improvement from this medication."
D) "Your life is much better now. You will feel better soon."

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Seeing a response to antidepressants takes 3 to 6 weeks. No change in medications is indicated at this point of treatment because there is no report of adverse effects from the medication. If nausea is present, taking the medication with food may help, but this is not reported by the patient, so a change in administration time is not needed. Telling a depressed patient that their life is better does not acknowledge their feelings.

A Patient Has Been Prescribed a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor