Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is often a focus in the treatment of depression for medically ill patients?

1. Restoring physical health

2. Improving social relationships

3. Enhancing side-effect tolerability

4. Reducing medication costs

The correct answer is: Enhancing side-effect tolerability

In the treatment of depression for medically ill patients, enhancing side-effect tolerability is often a significant focus. This is because many patients may already be dealing with the burden of physical illnesses and the medications used to manage these conditions can carry their own side effects. When treating depression in this population, it is crucial to select antidepressants or therapeutic interventions that minimize adverse effects, as harsher side effects can lead to non-adherence to treatment and worsen both the psychiatric and physical conditions. Managing side effects effectively can improve the likelihood that a patient will continue their treatment for depression, enabling a more integrated approach to their overall health. Additionally, some depression treatments can interfere with medications used for other medical conditions, further highlighting the importance of carefully considering side-effect profiles. Enhancing tolerability contributes to better overall management of the patient's health, leading to improved outcomes.