What can a nurse expect from a client on depression medication after two weeks of treatment?

After two weeks of treatment with depression medication, the nurse can typically expect to observe some early signs of improvement in the client's condition. Improvement in sleep and appetite is often one of the initial responses to antidepressant medications, as these aspects are frequently affected in individuals with depression. Clients may start to experience better sleep patterns and a return of appetite as their mood begins to stabilize, even if significant improvement in mood may take longer to manifest.

While significant improvements in mood can be desirable, it often takes several weeks for full therapeutic effects to occur, meaning that a major boost in mood may not be seen until later in the treatment. Full resolution of depressive symptoms is also an unlikely expectation within such a short timeframe. Additionally, while there is an essential focus on safety, an increased risk of self-harm is generally more associated with the period shortly after starting treatment, especially when individuals begin to regain energy but may still feel hopeless. Hence, the expectation of improved sleep and appetite within two weeks aligns best with how individuals respond to antidepressants early in their treatment regimen.