Question

the nurse reviews the new prescription, phenelzine, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (maoi), for a client on the psychiatric unit with depression. which information is most important for the nurse to assess?
consumption of any alcohol or tyramine - rich foods.
complaints of nausea or vomiting.
therapeutic serum drug levels.
blood pressure and pulse prior to taking each dose.

Explanation:

Phenelzine (MAOI) has a significant interaction with tyramine - rich foods and alcohol, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis (a severe and dangerous increase in blood pressure). Nausea/vomiting is a less critical general side - effect. MAOIs don't require regular therapeutic serum level monitoring like some other drugs. While blood pressure should be monitored, the most crucial assessment related to MAOI use is avoiding substances (alcohol/tyramine - rich foods) that cause dangerous interactions.

Answer:

A. Consumption of any alcohol or tyramine - rich foods.