Which statement provides the best rationale for why a nurse should closely monitor a severely depressed patient during antidepressant medication therapy?

A) As depression lifts, physical energy becomes available to carry out suicide.
B) Suicide may be precipitated by a variety of internal and external events.
C) Suicidal patients have difficulty using social supports.
D) Suicide is an impulsive act.

Question

Caleb Howard · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  Antidepressant medication has the objective of relieving depression. The risk for suicide is greater as the depression lifts, primarily because the patient has more physical energy at a time when he or she may still have suicidal ideation. The other options have little to do with nursing interventions relating to antidepressant medication therapy.

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