NURS 3100 Exam 1 Practice

A client has been taking paroxetine (Paxil) for a year and tells a nurse it is no longer working. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. It is time for us to do the Beck Depression assessment again

2. Let's look for interactions with other medications you are taking

3. Are you taking name brand Paxil or the generic version paroxetine

4. This sounds like your medication needs changing

The correct answer is: Are you taking name brand Paxil or the generic version paroxetine

When a client reports that their medication is no longer effective, it is essential to consider various factors before determining the next steps. In this scenario, the nurse's best response is option C: "Are you taking name brand Paxil or the generic version paroxetine?" This response is appropriate because generic medications, while required to have the same active ingredients as the brand name version, may differ in their bioavailability or formulation. This variation could potentially impact the drug's effectiveness in some individuals. By inquiring whether the client has switched from brand name Paxil to generic paroxetine, the nurse can assess whether this change could be contributing to the perceived lack of efficacy. Options A, B, and D provide valid considerations but may not address the root cause of the issue raised by the client. Conducting the Beck Depression assessment again, looking for interactions with other medications, or assuming that a medication change is necessary should come after exploring the possibility of a shift from brand name to generic medication.