A patient who has been diagnosed with depression asks why the provider has not ordered a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor to treat the disorder. The nurse will explain to the patient that MAO inhibitors
are no longer approved for treating depression.
are more expensive than other antidepressants.
require strict dietary restrictions.
can cause profound hypotension.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Are no longer approved for treating depression: MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are still approved and used to treat depression, especially in cases where other medications have not been effective. They are not considered obsolete, though their use has become less common due to the availability of safer, more tolerable options. This is not the primary reason why MAOIs may not be prescribed.
B) Are more expensive than other antidepressants: While cost can be a factor in medication choice, it is not the primary reason why MAO inhibitors are less frequently prescribed for depression. There are other more significant concerns, such as side effects and dietary restrictions, that make other medications a preferred first-line choice.
C) Require strict dietary restrictions: This is the most accurate explanation. MAO inhibitors can cause dangerous interactions with certain foods that contain high levels of tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. Consuming these foods while on an MAOI can lead to a hypertensive crisis, which is a life-threatening condition. Because of these dietary restrictions, patients on MAOIs must adhere to a strict diet, which can be challenging to manage.
D) Can cause profound hypotension: While hypotension can occur as a side effect of MAOIs, it is not the most significant concern. The more serious risk with MAOIs is the potential for a hypertensive crisis due to dietary interactions with tyramine-containing foods, rather than hypotension. Therefore, the dietary restrictions are a more pressing issue than the risk of hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Tacrine (Cognex): Tacrine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to improve cognitive function. It is not typically used for Parkinson's disease, which is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, shuffling gait, and rigidity.
B) Rivastigmine (Exelon): Rivastigmine is another acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, similar to Tacrine, primarily used to treat Alzheimer's disease or dementia-related symptoms. While it helps with cognitive symptoms, it is not effective in treating the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
C) Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet): This is the correct answer. Carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) is the gold standard treatment for Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is a precursor to dopamine, which helps address the dopamine deficiency in the brain that causes symptoms like tremors, shuffling gait, and lack of facial expression (masked facies). Carbidopa is added to prevent levodopa from being broken down before it reaches the brain, enhancing its effectiveness.
D) Donepezil (Aricept): Donepezil is also an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used primarily in Alzheimer's disease. Like Tacrine and Rivastigmine, it works to improve cognitive function but does not treat the motor symptoms seen in Parkinson's disease. It would not be appropriate for managing the patient's Parkinsonian symptoms.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Increase in mental acuity: Beta-adrenergic blockers (beta-blockers) do not directly affect mental acuity. In fact, some beta-blockers may cause side effects like fatigue or drowsiness, which can affect mental sharpness. Beta-blockers primarily focus on cardiovascular effects, not cognitive function, making this an unlikely therapeutic goal for their use.
B) Slowing of gastrointestinal motility: Beta-blockers can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, which may indirectly affect the gastrointestinal system. However, slowing gastrointestinal motility is not a primary therapeutic goal of beta-blocker therapy. The main action of beta-blockers is in the cardiovascular system, not in regulating GI function.
C) Decreased production in gastric acid: Beta-blockers do not significantly reduce gastric acid production. Medications such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers are typically used for managing gastric acid production or reflux. Beta-blockers focus on reducing the workload of the heart and controlling blood pressure, not on acid secretion.
D) Reduction in the heart rate and blood pressure: The primary therapeutic effect of beta-blockers is the reduction of heart rate (negative chronotropic effect) and blood pressure (due to reduced cardiac output and inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system). This is especially beneficial for managing conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and arrhythmias. It is the most likely goal of beta-blocker therapy prescribed by the provider.
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