A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a client for the first time and needs to know about potential food and medication interactions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A) Pain level: Assessing the client's pain level may be important for administering analgesic medications, but it is not directly related to the administration of propranolol. Propranolol is a beta-blocker primarily used to treat conditions such as hypertension, angina, and certain cardiac arrhythmias, so assessing pain level is not the priority.

B) Respiratory rate: While monitoring respiratory rate is important in various clinical situations, propranolol administration does not typically have a direct effect on respiratory function. Therefore, assessing the respiratory rate specifically before administering propranolol may not be as relevant as other vital signs.

C) Heart rate: Propranolol is a beta-blocker that primarily works by slowing the heart rate and reducing the workload on the heart. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's heart rate prior to administering propranolol to ensure it is within the appropriate range. Administering propranolol to a client with bradycardia or a significantly low heart rate could exacerbate this condition and lead to adverse effects.

D) Temperature: While monitoring temperature is important for assessing for signs of infection or other systemic issues, it is not directly relevant to the administration of propranolol. Propranolol primarily affects cardiovascular function, so assessing temperature is not typically a priority before administering this medication

A) Hypertension: Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) used as an antidepressant medication. It works by inhibiting the breakdown of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. When phenelzine is taken with foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese, a potentially dangerous interaction can occur. Tyramine-rich foods can cause the release of stored catecholamines, leading to a sudden increase in blood pressure, known as a hypertensive crisis. Symptoms of a hypertensive crisis can include severe headache, palpitations, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Therefore, hypertension is a manifestation of the interaction between phenelzine and aged cheese.

B) Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or slow heart rate, is not typically associated with the interaction between phenelzine and aged cheese. Instead, the interaction is more commonly associated with a sudden increase in blood pressure (hypertension).

C) Somnolence: Somnolence, or drowsiness, is a common side effect of phenelzine but is not specifically related to the interaction between phenelzine and aged cheese.

D) Diarrhea: Diarrhea is not typically associated with the interaction between phenelzine and aged cheese. Instead, the interaction is more commonly associated with a sudden increase in blood pressure (hypertension).