What is the expected nursing action for a male client with a history of hepatic dysfunction when prescribing antidepressants?

What is the expected nursing action for a male client with a history of hepatic dysfunction when prescribing antidepressants?

• A. A higher dose of the antidepressant.
• B. No antidepressants due to contraindication.
• C. More frequent doses of the antidepressant.
• D. A lower dose of the antidepressant.

Answer: (D)

In the case of a male client with a history of hepatic dysfunction, it is crucial to consider how the liver metabolizes medications. The liver plays a significant role in the biotransformation of many antidepressants, and hepatic dysfunction can impair this metabolic process. When the liver's ability to process medications is compromised, there is an increased risk of drug accumulation and potential toxicity. Therefore, the expected nursing action would be to prescribe a lower dose of the antidepressant. This adjustment helps ensure that the medication reaches therapeutic levels without exceeding safe limits, thereby minimizing the risk of adverse effects related to impaired drug clearance. It is also important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient closely for any side effects and to assess the efficacy of the medication in this population. In consideration of this client's condition, other options would not be appropriate; specifically, higher doses or more frequent doses would increase the risk of adverse reactions, while completely withholding antidepressants may not be necessary as some agents can still be used safely at lower doses or with careful monitoring.

In the case of a male client with a history of hepatic dysfunction, it is crucial to consider how the liver metabolizes medications. The liver plays a significant role in the biotransformation of many antidepressants, and hepatic dysfunction can impair this metabolic process. When the liver's ability to process medications is compromised, there is an increased risk of drug accumulation and potential toxicity.

Therefore, the expected nursing action would be to prescribe a lower dose of the antidepressant. This adjustment helps ensure that the medication reaches therapeutic levels without exceeding safe limits, thereby minimizing the risk of adverse effects related to impaired drug clearance. It is also important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient closely for any side effects and to assess the efficacy of the medication in this population.

In consideration of this client's condition, other options would not be appropriate; specifically, higher doses or more frequent doses would increase the risk of adverse reactions, while completely withholding antidepressants may not be necessary as some agents can still be used safely at lower doses or with careful monitoring.