The nurse is seeing a client who has longstanding history of osteoarthritis triggered pain. The client presents with a one-month history of low mood, loss of interest, poor appetite, and sleep disturbance. The nurse recognizes which pharmacological treatment is most appropriate for this client?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) are frequently used in the treatment of depression in the medically ill client population. Sertraline is a commonly prescribed SSRI. Phenalzine is an MAO inhibitor antidepressant that would not be most appropriate to prescribe due to the many potential drug interactions with this medication. Divalproex is a mood-stabilizing medication that would be appropriate if the client were experiencing symptoms of mania commonly associated with bipolar disorder. It is also used as an anti-epileptic medication. Risperidone is commonly prescribed for psychosis, usually associated with schizophrenia. It would not be appropriate given this client's presenting symptoms.

The Nurse Is Seeing a Client Who Has Longstanding History