A nurse is educating a patient about SNRI antidepressant medication. What is a common side effect of SNRIs that the nurse should include in the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should teach the patient to avoid foods rich in tyramine while on an MAOI antidepressant. MAOIs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down tyramine in the body. Accumulation of tyramine can lead to hypertensive crisis due to excessive release of norepinephrine. Tyramine-rich foods include aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, and certain beverages like wine and beer.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should also teach the patient to avoid herbal supplements while on an MAOI antidepressant. Herbal supplements can interact with MAOIs and lead to potentially dangerous effects, including serotonin syndrome. Herbal supplements like St. John's wort, ginseng, and others may increase serotonin levels when combined with MAOIs.

Choice D rationale:

The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid over-the-counter pain relievers, particularly those containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, while taking an MAOI antidepressant. These substances can also interact with MAOIs and result in hypertensive crisis due to increased release of norepinephrine.

Choice C rationale:

Choice C (Foods high in vitamin C) is not a concern when taking an MAOI antidepressant. Vitamin C-rich foods do not interact with MAOIs or pose a risk of hypertensive crisis. Thus, this choice is incorrect in the context of MAOI use.

Choice E rationale:

Choice E (Foods high in calcium) is also not a concern when taking an MAOI antidepressant. Calcium-rich foods do not have interactions with MAOIs that would result in hypertensive crisis. This choice is not relevant to MAOI medication.

Choice A rationale:

Antipsychotics are often used to manage acute manic episodes in bipolar disorder, but they are not considered the gold standard for overall treatment. They may have a role as adjunctive therapy or in specific situations, but they are not typically the primary choice for maintenance treatment.

Choice B rationale:

Antidepressants are used in bipolar disorder treatment, but they are often cautiously prescribed due to the risk of triggering manic episodes or rapid cycling. They are not considered the gold standard due to this potential for destabilization.

Choice C rationale:

Benzodiazepines may be used to manage acute agitation or anxiety in bipolar disorder, but they are not the gold standard for long-term treatment. Prolonged use can lead to dependence and may not address the underlying mood instability.

Choice D rationale:

Mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers like lithium, valproate (divalproex), and lamotrigine are considered the gold standard for bipolar disorder treatment due to their efficacy in managing both acute episodes (manic, hypomanic, and depressive) and providing long-term stabilization. These medications help prevent relapses and mood swings by regulating neurotransmitters and stabilizing mood fluctuations.