HESI Pharmacology

HESI Pharmacology ( 46 Questions)

The nurse is planning care for a patient with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine.

Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?



Correct Answer: B

Duloxetine is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin- norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). When combined with other antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), there is an increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause symptoms such as confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and hyperthermia.

Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to determine whether the patient has recently used any other antidepressant medications before initiating duloxetine therapy. If the patient has taken other antidepressants, the nurse should consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include discontinuing the previous antidepressant and monitoring the patient closely for signs of serotonin syndrome.

While all of the options listed may be relevant to the patient's care, obtaining information about recent use of other antidepressants is the most crucial consideration for patient safety and medication management.




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