Antidepressants Overview

This flashcard set covers key concepts related to antidepressants, including treatment options, side effects, and nursing considerations.

A nurse is screening a patient for depression using the PHQ-2. Which of the following are the two principal symptoms the nurse would ask about?
A) Changes in appetite and sleep disturbances.
B) Depressed mood and loss of pleasure or interest in usual activities.
C) Feelings of guilt and psychomotor agitation.
D) Fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

B) Depressed mood and loss of pleasure or interest in usual activities.

According to diagnostic criteria discussed in the lecture, which of the following best constitutes a diagnosis of depression?
A) Three or more symptoms present for at least one week.
B) Five or more specified symptoms present nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.
C) Persistent depressed mood for at least one month.
D) Any two symptoms of depression lasting for more than 3 weeks.

B) Five or more specified symptoms present nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.

A patient is prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac) for depression. The nurse understands that this medication belongs to which class of antidepressants?
A) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs).
B) Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).
C) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
D) Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs).

C) Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).

Which of the following drug classes are typically recommended as first-line treatment for depression?
A) Benzodiazepines.
B) MAOIs.
C) SSRIs, SNRIs, and mirtazapine.
D) Atypical antipsychotics.

C) SSRIs, SNRIs, and mirtazapine.

A nurse is educating a patient about a newly prescribed antidepressant. What crucial black box warning should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) Risk of severe liver damage.
B) Increased risk of suicide, especially in patients younger than 25 years.
C) Potential for severe allergic reactions.
D) Risk of developing dependency.

B) Increased risk of suicide, especially in patients younger than 25 years.

When initiating antidepressant therapy, how long should the nurse inform the patient it typically takes to see the initial therapeutic effects?
A) Within 24-48 hours.
B) 3 to 5 days.
C) 1 to 3 weeks.
D) 6 to 8 weeks.

C) 1 to 3 weeks.

Which of the following is a critical nursing consideration when administering antidepressants?
A) They can be safely used as PRN medications for acute anxiety.
B) They should be taken only when symptoms are severe.
C) They require consistent daily dosing and are not for PRN use.
D) Doses can be adjusted daily based on symptom fluctuation.

C) They require consistent daily dosing and are not for PRN use.

If a patient's initial antidepressant treatment proves to be ineffective, which of the following adjustments might a healthcare provider consider?
A) Discontinuing medication immediately.
B) Increasing the dose, switching to a different drug in the same class, or switching to another class.
C) Adding a benzodiazepine as a primary treatment.
D) Recommending psychotherapy as the sole treatment.

B) Increasing the dose, switching to a different drug in the same class, or switching to another class.

A patient expresses a desire to discontinue their antidepressant medication because they feel better. What vital education should the nurse provide?
A) Stop the medication immediately if symptoms are gone.
B) The dose should be gradually tapered to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
C) You can stop taking it once you run out of pills.
D) Only your doctor can decide when to stop, regardless of your symptoms.

B) The dose should be gradually tapered to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Which of the following are common side effects that a nurse should educate a patient about when starting an SSRI?
A) Dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention.
B) Nausea, headache, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction.
C) Orthostatic hypotension and sedation.
D) Hypertensive crisis and severe headache.

B) Nausea, headache, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction.

A patient is prescribed a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). What critical dietary instruction should the nurse provide to prevent a life-threatening adverse effect?
A) Increase intake of leafy green vegetables.
B) Avoid consuming tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crisis.
C) Limit fluid intake to prevent fluid overload.
D) Increase protein intake to enhance medication absorption.

B) Avoid consuming tyramine-rich foods to prevent hypertensive crisis.

The nurse is reviewing the mechanism of action for Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). What is their primary pharmacological action?
A) Inhibits the enzyme monoamine oxidase.
B) Blocks the reuptake of dopamine only.
C) Blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT).
D) Directly stimulates serotonin receptors.

C) Blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT).

When monitoring a patient on an atypical antidepressant, the nurse should be vigilant for which potentially serious adverse effect?
A) Severe constipation.
B) Seizures.
C) Excessive salivation.
D) Peripheral edema.

B) Seizures.

A pregnant patient requires antidepressant therapy. Which classes of antidepressants are generally avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks?
A) SSRIs and SNRIs.
B) MAOIs and TCAs.
C) Mirtazapine and bupropion.
D) All antidepressants are strictly contraindicated.

B) MAOIs and TCAs.

A patient is prescribed a Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA). Which nursing intervention is most important for patient education?
A) Inform the patient that medication can be stopped abruptly if side effects occur.
B) Educate on avoiding abrupt discontinuation and managing side effects like constipation.
C) Instruct the patient to take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption.
D) Advise the patient that they can consume tyramine-rich foods without concern.

B) Educate on avoiding abrupt discontinuation and managing side effects like constipation.

What is the primary pharmacological action of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)?
A) Selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake.
B) Blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing their concentration.
C) Prevents the breakdown of monoamine neurotransmitters.
D) Acts as a dopamine receptor agonist.

B) Blocks reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, increasing their concentration.

After initiating antidepressant therapy, what is the typical duration for assessing the full efficacy of the medication before considering a change?
A) 1-2 weeks.
B) 2-3 weeks.
C) 4-8 weeks.
D) 3-6 months.

C) 4-8 weeks.

The nurse is reviewing the pharmacological action of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). Which statement best describes their action?
A) They selectively block the reuptake of serotonin.
B) They directly stimulate dopamine receptors.
C) They inhibit MAO-A to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin.
D) They block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine without enzyme inhibition.

C) They inhibit MAO-A to increase neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and serotonin.

For which patient population is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) most commonly indicated as a treatment option?
A) Patients with mild anxiety disorders.
B) Severely depressed, suicidal patients or those unresponsive to medications.
C) Patients with personality disorders.
D) Patients with insomnia as a primary complaint.

B) Severely depressed, suicidal patients or those unresponsive to medications.

A nurse is aware that Serotonin Syndrome is a serious adverse effect primarily caused by which drug interaction?
A) SSRIs combined with benzodiazepines.
B) SSRIs combined with MAOIs.
C) TCAs combined with SNRIs.
D) Atypical antidepressants combined with alcohol.

B) SSRIs combined with MAOIs.