The nurse is reviewing medications used for depression. Which of these statements is a reason that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are more widely prescribed today than tricyclic antidepressants?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tricyclic antidepressants cause serious cardiac dysrhythmias if an overdose occurs. Tricyclic antidepressants have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that even a small overdose can lead to severe toxicity, including cardiac dysrhythmias that can be life-threatening. This risk of overdose toxicity is a significant concern with tricyclic antidepressants and contributes to their decreased use compared to SSRIs. A: SSRIs having fewer sexual side effects is not the primary reason for their wider use compared to tricyclic antidepressants. While this may be a consideration for some patients, it is not the main factor influencing prescribing patterns. B: Drug-food interactions are indeed a concern with tricyclic antidepressants, but it is not the primary reason why SSRIs are more widely prescribed today. While SSRIs may have a lower risk of drug-food interactions, it is not the main driving factor behind their increased use. D: While SSRIs may have

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Boosting the immune system. Echinacea is commonly used for its immune-boosting properties due to its ability to stimulate the immune system. It can help the body fight off infections and illnesses. Rationale: 1. Echinacea has been traditionally used for its immune-enhancing effects. 2. Research studies have shown that echinacea can increase the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. 3. Echinacea is often recommended to shorten the duration of colds and flu by supporting the immune response. 4. Memory enhancement (A), improving mood (C), and promoting relaxation (D) are not commonly associated with echinacea use based on scientific evidence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: FALSE. Intravenous injections are not suitable for oily solutions due to the risk of causing pulmonary embolism or other serious complications. Oily solutions can lead to blockages in the blood vessels, posing significant health risks. Other choices are incorrect because intravenous injections should not be used for all oily solutions (Choice C) or none of them (Choice D) due to the potential harm they can cause.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Change in receptors, loss of them or exhaustion of mediators. Tolerance and drug resistance often occur due to changes in receptors, such as downregulation or desensitization, leading to decreased drug efficacy. Loss of receptors or exhaustion of mediators can also contribute to reduced drug response over time. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: B: Increased receptor sensitivity would not lead to tolerance or drug resistance, as it would result in enhanced drug effects. C: Decreased metabolic degradation would increase drug levels in the body, potentially leading to increased drug effects rather than tolerance. D: Decreased renal tubular secretion may alter drug excretion but would not directly cause tolerance or drug resistance.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bupivacaine. Bupivacaine is used for spinal anesthesia due to its long duration of action and potency. It provides effective anesthesia for surgeries and pain management. Procaine (A) is not commonly used for spinal anesthesia due to its short duration of action. Lidocaine (B) is used more for regional anesthesia and nerve blocks. Dupivacaine (D) is a duplicate choice and not a valid option. In summary, bupivacaine is the preferred choice for spinal anesthesia due to its duration of action and efficacy.