Practice Question
The client presents to the emergency department with a headache in the back of the head, diaphoresis, and neck stiffness. The clients blood pressure measures 180/124 mm Hg and heart rate is 168 beats/min. The spouse says the client is currently prescribed "something for depression" and denies any history of cardiac disease. The nurse should suspect the use of what medication?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
Rationale:
🔷 The client's elevated blood pressure (180/124 mm Hg), tachycardia, headache, diaphoresis, and neck stiffness are signs of a hypertensive crisis, a known risk when clients taking MAOIs ingest tyramine-containing foods or interact with contraindicated drugs.
🔷 MAOIs block the breakdown of norepinephrine, leading to excessive catecholamine accumulation when triggered.
🔷 The sudden neurological and cardiovascular symptoms, especially with no cardiac history, strongly indicate this dangerous pharmacologic interaction.
🔷 MAOIs include drugs like phenelzine and tranylcypromine, which require strict dietary precautions.
🔷 Immediate intervention is required to prevent stroke, seizure, or death in such a hypertensive crisis.
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This question is from RN ATI Mental Health NPRO200 Exam which contains 41 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Mental Health
- Answer Choices: 4