A nurse caring for a client taking amitriptyline for depression should monitor

1. A nurse caring for a client taking amitriptyline for depression should monitor the client
for which of the following adverse events? Select all that apply.
A)
Sedation
B)
Diarrhea
C)
Incontinence
D)
Dry mouth
E)
Photosensitivity
Ans: A, D, E
Feedback:
The use of tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline can cause the following side
effects: sedation, dry mouth, visual disturbances, urinary retention, constipation, and
photosensitivity.
2. When describing the action of antidepressants, the nursing instructor would include the
belief that they exert their effect by causing slow adaptive changes to which of the
following receptor systems? Select all that apply.
A)
Beta-adrenergic
B)
Baroreceptors
C)
Norepinephrine
D)
Serotonin
E)
Nicotinic
Ans: C, D
Feedback:
New research indicates that the effects of antidepressants are related to slow adaptive
changes in norepinephrine and serotonin receptor systems.
3. After teaching a group of nursing students about the action of antidepressants, the
instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which
of the following classes as exerting their effects by inhibiting reuptake of
norepinephrine and serotonin? Select all that apply.
A)
Amitriptyline
B)
Bupropion
C)
Clomipramine
D)
Duloxetine
E)
Venlafaxine
Ans: A, C
Feedback:
Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and clomipramine exert their effects by
inhibiting reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. Bupropion, duloxetine, and
venlafaxine are believed to affect serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine receptors.