Question

Charlene McCoy, who has several children already, reports for a first prenatal visit. She seems preoccupied and withdrawn, and she makes consistently negative remarks about the pregnancy. Reviewing her records, you note that she is receiving a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. What should you do?

1- Reassure her that ambivalence is normal
2- Refer her for drug and alcohol counseling
3- Give her printed material to read at home
4- Alert the RN or primary care provider

Answer 1

The correct action is to alert the RN or primary care provider due to the potential effects of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor on the pregnancy and the patient's mental health, necessitating a professional evaluation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When encountering a patient like Charlene McCoy, who is on a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and is making negative remarks about her pregnancy, the correct course of action would be to alert the RN or primary care provider. This is due to the importance of addressing both her mental state and the implications of medication use during pregnancy. While ambivalence can be normal, the repeated negative remarks and the specific mention of her medication in the question suggest the need for professional evaluation.

It is critical to consider the serotonin reuptake inhibitor's potential effects on the pregnancy and on Charlene's mental health. The medication could be playing a role in her mood and the development of the fetus. These medications can cross the placenta and, therefore, need to be managed carefully during pregnancy.

Referring her for drug and alcohol counseling or giving her printed material may not address the immediate concern if the negative feelings about the pregnancy are linked to her medication or untreated depression. Health-care professionals can help determine the safety and necessary adjustments of her medication regimen during pregnancy and address any underlying mental health concerns.