The client presents to the emergency department with a headache in the back of the head, diaphoresis, and neck stiffness. The client's 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?
A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
A tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
An atypical antipsychotic
None
None
The Correct Answer is A
A. MAOIs are a class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the activity of monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. MAOIs can interact with certain foods and other medications, potentially leading to a hypertensive crisis characterized by severe hypertension, headache, diaphoresis, and other symptoms.
B. SSRIs are commonly prescribed antidepressants that work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin syndrome can present with symptoms such as headache, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and hyperthermia, but it typically doesn't cause severe hypertension.
C. TCAs are another class of antidepressants that work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. TCAs can cause anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. However, TCAs are less commonly associated with severe hypertension compared to MAOIs.
D. Atypical antipsychotics are used to treat various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While they are not typically associated with causing severe hypertension directly, they can have cardiovascular side effects such as tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Walking with the client at a gradually slower pace can provide support and reassurance while helping to regulate the client's activity level. This approach acknowledges the client's distress and offers physical companionship during a challenging time.
B. Instructing the client to sit down and stop pacing may be perceived as confrontational or dismissive of the client's distress. For individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, pacing often serves as a coping mechanism to manage feelings of agitation or restlessness.
C. While ensuring the client's safety is important, forcibly removing them from the corridor may exacerbate feelings of distress or agitation. It is essential to respect the client's autonomy and use interventions that promote de-escalation and emotional support.
D. While allowing the client to pace alone may initially seem like a non-intrusive approach, it may not address the client's underlying emotional distress or provide therapeutic support.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. This statement demonstrates an understanding of exposure therapy, a key component of agoraphobia treatment. Exposure therapy involves gradually facing feared situations or environments to reduce anxiety and desensitize the individual to their triggers.
A. While joining an online book club is a positive social activity, it does not directly address the fear associated with agoraphobia.
B. This statement reflects avoidance behavior, which is common in agoraphobia. However, avoiding
elevators and closed spaces perpetuates the fear and limits the client’s ability to function.
D. Group therapy can be beneficial for clients with agoraphobia. It provides social support, coping strategies, and exposure to others. However, this choice does not directly address the fear of open spaces.
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