Question

Case Study #2 1. Julia, age 62 years, became severely depressed 6 years ago when her son experienced a traumatic brain injury sustained in an automobile accident. She has been nonadherent with pharmacologic antidepressant therapy, which has led to her admission to an acute care psychiatric setting. During the assessment interview, she reports becoming increasingly forgetful and now has difficulty sleeping and concentrating. A physical assessment shows that she has lost 30 pounds during the last year as a result of "not being interested in eating." Her home needs repairs, and she feels overwhelmed with completing the maintenance required. Julia reports "feeling helpless and alone," adding that she "is alone and no one cares." a. Determine three nursing outcome statements that would apply to Julia, and list them in order of priority. b. Julia was started on sertraline (Zoloft). What patient teaching should be done with Julia regarding the sertraline?

Answer 1

1) a) Nursing outcome statement that would apply to Julia as per her case are as follows:-

- Establish good communication with the patient so that she can share her feelings and thoughts which help her to concentrate

- Care about her diet :- Nurse should encourage her to eat foods as she is losing weight

- Nurse may come in contact with the patient so that she never feel alone and helpless .

b) Instructions regarding Sertraline given to the patient (Julia) are as follows:-

- Take Sertraline at around the same time every day.

- Don't take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by the doctor.

-Do not stop taking it as withdrawal symptoms such nausea,sweating , depression,mood changes ,dizziness ,headache , tingling may happen.