Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and has a new prescription for paroxetine (Paxil). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Paroxetine is an SSRI used to treat OCD. It typically takes a few weeks for the full therapeutic effects to be felt. Instructing the client about the delay in onset of action prepares them for this and helps manage expectations.
Summary of other choices:
B: Taking medication only when needed undermines the consistent dosing required for SSRI effectiveness.
C: Taking medication before bedtime for sleep is not recommended with paroxetine as it can cause insomnia.
D: Monitoring for weight gain is important with some medications, but not specifically associated with paroxetine in the context of OCD treatment.
Rationale: Paroxetine is an SSRI used to treat OCD. It typically takes a few weeks for the full therapeutic effects to be felt. Instructing the client about the delay in onset of action prepares them for this and helps manage expectations.
Summary of other choices:
B: Taking medication only when needed undermines the consistent dosing required for SSRI effectiveness.
C: Taking medication before bedtime for sleep is not recommended with paroxetine as it can cause insomnia.
D: Monitoring for weight gain is important with some medications, but not specifically associated with paroxetine in the context of OCD treatment.