A Patient Who Was Prescribed a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

question 12

Multiple Choice

A patient who was prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) 3 days ago says, "I'm so disappointed, this medicine isn't working." What intervention best addresses the client's expressed concern?

• A) Explaining that it's normal for a time lag between starting the antidepressants and symptom relief
• B) Reassuring the patient that the medication is an excellent therapy and it will be effective soon
• C) Critically assessing the patient for indications that there is a lessening of symptoms
• D) Assessing the patient's understanding of depression

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Definitions:

Frustration-Aggression Model

A psychological theory suggesting that frustration leads to aggressive behavior because it induces an aggressive drive.

Long-Standing Feud

An ongoing conflict or disagreement that has persisted over a long period of time.

Stressors

Factors or experiences that cause stress in an individual.

Ethologists

Scientists who study the behavior of animals in their natural environments, focusing on instinctual or innate behaviors.