A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking sertraline for 2 weeks. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication that the medication is effective?
A.
The client’s blood pressure is within the expected reference range.
B.
The client’s legs are not swollen.
C.
The client reports a recent weight loss
D.
The client reports increase in mood.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. The client reports increase in mood.
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. When evaluating the effectiveness of sertraline, the primary indicator is the improvement in mood and reduction of symptoms related to depression or anxiety.
Explanation
Sertraline and Its Purpose:
Sertraline works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. It typically takes several weeks to notice significant improvements in mood and symptoms. Therefore, a client reporting an increase in mood is a strong sign that the medication is starting to work as intended.
Why Other Options Are Not Indicative of Effectiveness:
- A. The client’s blood pressure is within the expected reference range: While maintaining normal blood pressure is important for overall health, it is not directly related to the efficacy of sertraline. SSRIs like sertraline do not primarily affect blood pressure, and changes in blood pressure are not an expected or primary indicator of the medication’s success.
- B. The client’s legs are not swollen: Swelling in the legs is not a common side effect or indicator of the efficacy of sertraline. This symptom could be related to various other conditions or medications and does not reflect the effectiveness of sertraline in treating depression or anxiety.
- C. The client reports a recent weight loss: Weight loss can be a side effect of sertraline, but it is not necessarily a positive indicator of the medication’s effectiveness. Weight changes are not a primary measure of the drug’s success in treating mood disorders.
In Summary:
The most relevant sign of effectiveness for sertraline is the improvement in mood. This reflects the drug’s intended effect on serotonin levels and the associated relief from symptoms of depression or anxiety. Therefore, a client reporting an increase in mood is the best indicator that the medication is working as expected.