A Patient Has Been Prescribed Amitriptyline (Elavil)

question 11

Multiple Choice

A patient has been prescribed amitriptyline (Elavil) .What does the nurse plan to include in the teaching plan for this patient?

• A) "Smoking cigarettes can decrease the effectiveness of amitriptyline in treating your depression."
• B) "Check your pulse every day and report any irregular rhythms to your prescriber right away."
• C) "Amitriptyline should help to improve your depression symptoms within 7 to 14 days."
• D) "Avoid driving or operating dangerous equipment until you know how the drug will affect you."
• E) "Be sure to include foods with lots of fiber in your diet to prevent the side effect of constipation."

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Definitions:

Synaptic Knob

The part of a neuron that connects to another neuron or muscle cell, facilitating the transmission of neurotransmitters across the synaptic gap.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons or a neuron and a muscle cell, where electrical or chemical signals are transmitted from one cell to another.

Neurilemma

The outermost layer of a nerve fiber, crucial for the regeneration of peripheral nerve fibers and also known as the Schwann cell sheath.

Myelinated Pathway

Neural pathways composed of axons that are coated with myelin, which speeds up the transmission of nerve impulses.