Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 78%
Simulated
A severely depressed, sullen client has been taking fluoxetine for 10 days. During the first outpatient visit, the client smiles excitedly and states, 'I feel so much better now.' How should the nurse interpret this behavior change? The:
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: client's behavioral change is normal and expected. This is because it is common for patients with depression to start feeling better after taking antidepressants for a few days to weeks before experiencing a significant improvement in symptoms. The initial improvement in mood is often a positive sign that the medication is starting to work. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge and encourage this positive change while also monitoring the client for any signs of worsening symptoms or suicidal ideation.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: It is premature to assume the client has decided to carry out a suicide plan based solely on an improvement in mood.
B: There is no indication of serotonin syndrome symptoms in the scenario.
C: Decreasing the medication dosage may not be necessary if the client is responding positively to the current dose.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: It is premature to assume the client has decided to carry out a suicide plan based solely on an improvement in mood.
B: There is no indication of serotonin syndrome symptoms in the scenario.
C: Decreasing the medication dosage may not be necessary if the client is responding positively to the current dose.