A nurse is preparing to administer an antipsychotic medication to a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. The prescribed dose is 10 mg, and the medication is available in 5 mg tablets. How many tablets should the nurse administer?

Choice A reason:Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, promoting neuronal activity. It is not typically targeted for its inhibitory effects in anxiety treatments, as excessive glutamate activity may contribute to heightened anxiety or overstimulation.

Choice B reason:Dopamine is involved in reward, motivation, and movement regulation. While imbalances in dopamine can play a role in some psychiatric conditions, it is not the primary neurotransmitter targeted for its inhibitory effects in anxiety disorders.

Choice C reason:Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, helping to calm neuronal activity and reduce anxiety. Many anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, enhance GABA’s effects to promote relaxation and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Choice D reason:Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter associated with the body’s stress response and arousal. Elevated levels are often linked to increased anxiety, so it is not targeted for inhibitory effects in anxiety treatments.

Choice A reason:Cottage cheese is a low-tyramine food and generally safe for patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine. It does not pose a significant risk of causing a hypertensive crisis, which is a concern with MAOIs due to their interaction with tyramine-rich foods.

Choice B reason:Shellfish is not typically high in tyramine, the compound that can cause dangerous interactions with MAOIs. While food safety (e.g., avoiding spoiled shellfish) is important, shellfish does not need to be avoided specifically due to phenelzine use.

Choice C reason:Salami, a cured meat, is high in tyramine, which can interact with MAOIs like phenelzine. This interaction can lead to a hypertensive crisis, characterized by dangerously high blood pressure, headaches, and other serious symptoms. Patients on MAOIs must avoid tyramine-rich foods like aged meats, cheeses, and fermented products.

Choice D reason:Frozen peas are not high in tyramine and do not pose a risk when taken with MAOIs. They are generally safe for consumption and do not require dietary restrictions for patients on phenelzine.