A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of major depressive disorder. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe to the client as a first-line treatment?

A. Midazolam. Midazolam is a benzodiazepine primarily used for sedation, anesthesia, and anxiety management. It is not an antidepressant and does not treat major depressive disorder (MDD). B. Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is the first-line treatment for major depressive disorder. SSRIs are preferred due to their effectiveness, safety profile, and lower risk of overdose compared to older antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). C. Cyclobenzaprine. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms. It is not indicated for depression and does not affect serotonin levels in a way that would benefit clients with MDD. D. Valproic acid. Valproic acid is a mood stabilizer and anticonvulsant primarily used for bipolar disorder and epilepsy. While mood stabilizers can help in mood disorders, they are not first-line treatments for unipolar depression.