The nurse is caring for a client who reports periods of exacerbations and remissions of bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. A recent X-ray indicated a continuous pattern of lesions in the large bowel. What underlying condition does the nurse suspect?

Choice A reason: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) require dietary restrictions to avoid tyramine-rich foods (e.g., aged cheese), which can cause hypertensive crisis by increasing norepinephrine release. MAOIs inhibit monoamine breakdown, amplifying tyramine’s effects. This statement is accurate, as dietary caution is critical to prevent serious adverse reactions.

Choice B reason: MAOIs, like phenelzine, take 2-6 weeks to improve depressive symptoms by increasing monoamine levels (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine). Immediate improvement does not occur due to gradual synaptic changes. This statement is inaccurate, as the delayed onset is a key characteristic of MAOIs, similar to other antidepressants.

Choice C reason: MAOIs are reserved for treatment-resistant depression when newer drugs like SSRIs fail, due to their side effect profile and dietary restrictions. They effectively increase monoamine availability but are less preferred due to safety concerns. This statement is accurate, reflecting their role in refractory cases.

Choice D reason: MAOIs can cause hypertensive crisis via drug interactions (e.g., with SSRIs or sympathomimetics), as they inhibit monoamine breakdown, leading to excessive norepinephrine. This can result in severe blood pressure elevation. This statement is accurate, as drug interactions are a significant risk with MAOI therapy.

Choice A reason: Undisplaced fractures, where bone segments remain aligned, heal faster, typically in 6-8 weeks. Minimal disruption to blood supply and periosteum allows efficient callus formation and remodeling. These fractures require less intervention, as the stable bone structure supports osteoblast activity and collagen deposition, leading to quicker recovery.

Choice B reason: Compound (open) fractures, where bone pierces the skin, take the longest to heal, often 3-6 months or more. Open wounds increase infection risk, disrupting blood supply and delaying osteogenesis. Surgical intervention, prolonged immobilization, and potential complications like osteomyelitis further slow the healing process, requiring extensive tissue repair.

Choice C reason: Greenstick fractures, common in children, involve partial bone breaks due to flexible bones. They heal relatively quickly, in 4-8 weeks, as the intact periosteum supports rapid callus formation. The partial break preserves some blood supply, facilitating osteoblast activity and bone remodeling, making healing faster than compound fractures.

Choice D reason: Oblique fractures, with angled breaks, heal in 6-12 weeks, depending on stability. While more complex than undisplaced fractures, they have less soft tissue damage than compound fractures. Blood supply disruption is moderate, and surgical fixation may be needed, but healing is faster than in open fractures due to lower infection risk.