Documentation and Reporting
Documentation and Reporting ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a history of depression and is taking an antidepressant medication.
The nurse asks the patient how he is feeling today.
The patient responds: “I don’t know, I guess I’m okay.” Which of the following statements by the nurse is an appropriate response?
it implies doubt and criticism of the patient’s response.
It may make the patient feel defensive or invalidated.
It assumes that the patient is feeling better without verifying it.
It may also contradict the patient’s reality and discourage him from sharing his true feelings.
This statement by the nurse is an appropriate response because it shows empathy, interest, and respect for the patient’s feelings.
It also encourages the patient to express his emotions and thoughts, which can help the nurse assess the severity of his depression and the effectiveness of his medication. Asking open-ended questions is a therapeutic communication technique that can facilitate rapport and trust between the nurse and the patient.
It places unrealistic expectations on the patient and minimizes his struggle.
It may also imply that the patient is not trying hard enough or that his medication is not working.
Tell me more about how you are feeling.
This statement by the nurse is an appropriate response because it shows empathy, interest, and respect for the patient’s feelings.
It also encourages the patient to express his emotions and thoughts, which can help the nurse assess the severity of his depression and the effectiveness of his medication. Asking open-ended questions is a therapeutic communication technique that can facilitate rapport and trust between the nurse and the patient.
Choice A is wrong because it implies doubt and criticism of the patient’s response.
It may make the patient feel defensive or invalidated.
Choice B is wrong because it assumes that the patient is feeling better without verifying it.
It may also contradict the patient’s reality and discourage him from sharing his true feelings.
Choice D is wrong because it places unrealistic expectations on the patient and minimizes his struggle.
It may also imply that the patient is not trying hard enough or that his medication is not working.
Antidepressant medications are used to alter the concentration of neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for mood regulation, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. They can help relieve symptoms of depression, such as low mood, anhedonia, guilt, worthlessness, low energy, poor concentration, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts.
However, antidepressant medications are not a cure for depression and they do not work immediately. They usually take several weeks to reach their full effect and they may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and increased risk of bleeding.
Nursing care for patients taking antidepressant medications involves assessing and monitoring their depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, mental status, vital signs, weight, serum electrolytes, kidney and liver function, and pregnancy status. Nurses should also facilitate regular psychotherapy sessions, provide education on depression management, encourage adherence to medication regimen, teach coping skills and stress management techniques, promote healthy lifestyle habits such as exercise, nutrition, and sleep hygiene, and provide emotional support and encouragement.