When a client has been taking bupropion for 5 days and shows improvement, which behavior should the nurse monitor for specifically?

Monitoring for suicidal behavior is particularly important in clients who have recently started taking bupropion, especially within the first few weeks of treatment. Antidepressants, including bupropion, can sometimes lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some individuals, particularly those under the age of 25.

As clients begin to feel better and regain motivation, they may have more energy to act on suicidal thoughts that they may have had while feeling severely depressed. Therefore, it is crucial to keep a close watch for any indications of suicidal ideation or attempts during this period of treatment initiation. This vigilance helps ensure the safety of the client as they navigate their recovery journey.

Other behaviors such as seizure activity, visual disturbances, or increased libido, while relevant to bupropion, are not as immediate a concern in the context of a client who has recently shown signs of improvement. Seizures are more of a risk factor when bupropion is abruptly increased or if there are contraindications present. Visual disturbances could occur but are less common with the drug, and increased libido, while noted in some individuals, is not as critical as monitoring for suicidal behaviors in this scenario.