A Patient Was Started on Escitalopram (Lexapro) 5 Days Ago

question 16

Multiple Choice

A patient was started on escitalopram (Lexapro) 5 days ago and now says, "This medicine isn't working." The nurse's best intervention would be to:

• A) discuss with the health care provider the need to change medications.
• B) reassure the patient that the medication will be effective soon.
• C) explain the time lag before antidepressants relieve symptoms.
• D) critically assess the patient for symptom relief.

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Definitions:

Arachnoid

A thin, delicate membrane that envelops the brain and spinal cord, part of the meninges.

Papilledema

Swelling of the optic disk due to increased intracranial pressure, often observable through an eye examination.

Pallidotomy

A neurosurgical procedure that involves destroying a tiny part of the brain's globus pallidus to improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Paresthesia

An abnormal sensation, typically tingling or pricking ('pins and needles'), caused by pressure on or damage to peripheral nerves.