Question

While reviewing admission orders for a patient with major depressive disorder, the nurse notices an initial dosage of fluoxetine (Prozac) 120 mg for a client who has never been on psychotropic medications. What is the best initial action by the nurse?

a) Contact the prescriber and question the dosage.
b) Review potential side effects of the medication with the client.
c) Ask the patient if they were informed of potential side effects of the medication.
d) Order the medication from the pharmacy.

Answer 1

The nurse's best initial action is to contact the prescriber and question the dosage of fluoxetine since the starting dose appears to be unusually high. Safety is the primary concern, followed by patient education on medication side effects after dosage verification.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best initial action by the nurse when noticing an initial dosage of fluoxetine (Prozac) 120 mg for a patient who has never been on psychotropic medications is a) Contact the prescriber and question the dosage. This is because the dosage may be significantly higher than the standard starting dose for fluoxetine, which could increase the risk of side effects or potentially be harmful. SSRIs like fluoxetine often start at a lower dose and then are gradually increased as needed under medical supervision. Contacting the prescriber ensures patient safety by allowing for the verification or correction of the dose before administration.

It is also critical to be aware of the common side effects of antidepressants, such as weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, and nausea, among others. Providing this information to the patient becomes relevant after ensuring the correct dosage and prescription plan have been established.