A nurse is caring for a client who has just begun therapy with alprazolam to treat anxiety. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

A. The client's blood pressure is within the expected reference range - While blood pressure monitoring is important during treatment with certain medications, such as antihypertensives, it is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of sertraline, which is an antidepressant medication.

B. The client's legs are not swollen - Swelling of the legs may be a sign of fluid retention, which can occur with various conditions and medications. However, it is not a specific indicator of the effectiveness of sertraline.

C. The client reports a recent weight loss - Weight changes, including weight loss or gain, can occur as side effects of sertraline. However, weight changes alone do not necessarily indicate the effectiveness of the medication in treating depression.

D. The client reports an increase in mood - Improvement in mood, reduction in depressive symptoms, and overall sense of well-being are primary indicators of the effectiveness of sertraline and other antidepressant medications in treating depression. Therefore, the client reporting an increase in mood suggests that the medication may be effective in managing their symptoms.

D. Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis is a neurological disorder caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, often resulting from chronic alcohol use disorder. Thiamine deficiency can lead to significant neurological impairments, including confusion, ataxia, and memory deficits characteristic of Wernicke's encephalopathy and Korsakoff's psychosis.

The primary intervention for Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis is the administration of thiamine supplementation. Thiamine replacement therapy is essential to prevent further neurological deterioration and to potentially reverse some of the cognitive deficits associated with the disorder.

The other options are not directly related to Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis:

A. Monitoring for the presence of esophageal varices is more relevant to complications of chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis, commonly seen in individuals with alcohol use disorder, but not specific to Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis.

B. Placing the client in protective isolation is not indicated for Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis. Protective isolation is typically used for clients with compromised immune systems to reduce the risk of infection.

C. Laboratory analysis of cardiac enzymes is typically performed to assess for myocardial injury or infarction, which is not directly associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis.