Asked by Benjamin Wolfe on Jun 24, 2024
Verified
A patient diagnosed with depression confidently tells the nurse, "I've been supplementing my paroxetine with St. John's wort. It has helped a great deal." What is the nurse's priority action?
A) Assess changes in the patient's level of depression.
B) Remind the patient to use a secondary form of birth control.
C) Educate the patient about the risks of selective serotonin syndrome.
D) Suggest adding valerian to the treatment regimen to further improve results.
St. John's Wort
A plant used in herbal medicine believed to have antidepressant properties and is used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression.
Paroxetine
An antidepressant medication belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and PTSD.
- Identify the significance of ensuring safety, managing interactions, and acknowledging possible adverse effects linked with herbal supplements and alternative CAM approaches.
- Evaluate the necessity for educating patients about certain Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practices and their combination with drug therapy.
Verified Answer
JS
Jacalyn SchallerJun 25, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
St. John's wort inhibits serotonin reuptake by elevating extracellular sodium; thus, it may interact with medication, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, to produce serotonin syndrome. Discussing the patient's birth control method is a secondary priority.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the significance of ensuring safety, managing interactions, and acknowledging possible adverse effects linked with herbal supplements and alternative CAM approaches.
- Evaluate the necessity for educating patients about certain Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) practices and their combination with drug therapy.