A nurse is caring for a client who has just begun therapy with alprazolam to treat anxiety. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

A. Speaking to the provider about adding an MAOI to the current medication regimen: MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are typically considered as second- or third-line treatments due to their potential for serious side effects and interactions with other medications. It is not the first-line approach to managing depressive symptoms that have not improved with citalopram alone.

B. Telling the client that the provider will need to change citalopram to a different medication: It's premature to switch medications after only two weeks, as antidepressants often take several weeks to exert their full therapeutic effect. It's essential to allow adequate time for the current medication regimen to work before considering a change.

C. Explaining that antidepressants often take several weeks to be fully effective: This is the most appropriate action. It's important for the nurse to educate the client about the delayed onset of action of antidepressants and reassure them that improvement may take time. Adjustments to the dosage or switching to a different medication would typically be considered if there is no improvement after a sufficient trial period.

D. Recommending a sleep study be done on the client: While sleep disturbances are common in depression, recommending a sleep study would be premature at this stage. It's essential to address the underlying depressive symptoms first, as they may contribute to the sleep disturbance.

A. Clamping the catheter: Clamping the catheter may interrupt the flow of fluids or medications, which could worsen the client's condition. This action is not appropriate as the first intervention.

B. Initiate oxygen therapy: Acute shortness of breath is a critical symptom that requires immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation. Initiating oxygen therapy is the priority action to improve the client's oxygenation status while further assessment and interventions are conducted.

C. Auscultate breath sounds: Assessing breath sounds is an essential component of the assessment for a client experiencing shortness of breath. However, in this scenario, the priority is to ensure the client's oxygenation needs are met by initiating oxygen therapy first.

D. Position the client in left lateral Trendelenburg: Positioning the client in left lateral Trendelenburg may help optimize oxygenation by improving blood flow and ventilation-perfusion matching. However, this action is not the priority compared to initiating oxygen therapy, which directly addresses the client's respiratory distress.