Exam #2 Question&answer

A 17-year-old patient has been prescribed escitalopram (Lexapro) for increasing anxiety uncontrolled by other treatment measures. Because of this patient's age, the nurse will ensure that the patient and parents are taught what important information? 1. Cigarette smoking will counteract the effects of the drug. 2. Signs of increasing depression or thoughts of suicide should be reported immediately. 3. The drug causes dizziness and alternative schooling arrangements may be needed for the first two months of use. 4. Anxiety and excitability may increase during the first two weeks of use but then will have significant improvement. {Ans: Answer 2. Rationale: Escitalopram (Lexapro) is an antidepressant in the SSRI class. The drug carries a black box warning of increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Signs of increasing depression or suicidal thoughts should be reported immediately. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect. Smoking has no direct effects on escitalopram. Although dizziness may occur, it should not be significant enough to warrant a change in schooling needs. Escitalopram should not cause increased anxiety or excitability in the first few weeks of use, and other causes should be investigated should these occur.}When talking with a