Question

Multiple-choice question: Angelique will start on a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Identify which medication is ordered. A. Lithium (Lithobid) B. Trifluoperazine (Stelazine) C. Risperidone (Risperidal) D. Paroxetine (Paxil)

Short answer

The ordered medication is Paxil (paroxetine), as it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the term

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that are typically used as antidepressants. They work by limiting the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic cell, thereby increasing the level of serotonin available to bind to the postsynaptic receptor. They have less side effects than older antidepressants.

List the SSRIs

The most common Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline).

Match the Medicine

Now to find the SSRI in the given options, match the common SSRIs with the given options. There is only one match, which is Paxil (paroxetine).

Key concepts

NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation

The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) is a pivotal step for nursing students to become licensed professionals. Effective preparation includes understanding pharmacology, particularly antidepressants like SSRIs.

To prepare, students should familiarize themselves with medication categories, side effects, nursing interventions, and contraindications. For antidepressants, understanding the mechanism of action, as shown in the case of SSRIs which increase serotonin levels in the brain, is fundamental.

A sound strategy involves practicing multiple-choice questions that are structured similarly to those found on the actual exam. As seen in the exercise, knowing which drug belongs to the SSRI category is indispensable and can be studied through flashcards, mnemonic devices, or interactive quizzes.

Antidepressant Pharmacology

Antidepressant pharmacology is a critical topic in psychopharmacology. SSRIs, a commonly prescribed class of antidepressants, are favored due to their efficacy and comparatively favorable side-effect profile.

Their pharmacological action is based on preventing the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter implicated in mood regulation, into the presynaptic neuron. This increases serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft, thus enhancing neurotransmission. Recognizing the correct SSRI, as with paroxetine in the exercise, is essential for healthcare providers to implement safe and effective patient care.

Nursing Pharmacology Education

In nursing education, a robust grasp of pharmacology ensures nurses can administer medications safely and educate patients about their treatments. Education on SSRIs involves in-depth understanding of indications, dosages, side effects, and monitoring of therapeutic outcomes.

Nurses must be ready to recognize and manage potential adverse effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and withdrawal syndrome. Learning through case scenarios, similar to the textbook exercise, allows nursing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, which is crucial for developing clinical judgment.

Medical Case Study Review

Medical case studies are invaluable in practicing clinical reasoning and applying pharmacological knowledge. A case study that prompts identifying an SSRI, like in the given exercise, challenges students to apply their understanding in a clinical context.

By reviewing various cases, students integrate clinical signs and symptoms with appropriate drug selection. Moreover, they gain insight into medication management across different patient populations with variable health statuses, helping to build a holistic approach to patient care. Case studies can effectively bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.