Which statement provides the best rationale for closely monitoring a severely depressed patient during antidepressant medication therapy?

A) As depression lifts, physical energy becomes available to carry out suicide.
B) Patients who previously had suicidal thoughts need to discuss their feelings.
C) For most patients, antidepressant medication results in increased suicidal thinking.
D) Suicide is an impulsive act. Antidepressant medication does not alter impulsivity.

Question

Allie Norris · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : A, Explanation :  Antidepressant medication has the objective of relieving depression. 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.

Definitions

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Related questions