A patient who has been diagnosed with depression asks why the provider has not ordered a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor to treat the disorder. The nurse will explain to the patient that MAO inhibitors
are no longer approved for treating depression.
are more expensive than other antidepressants.
require strict dietary restrictions.
can cause profound hypotension.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Are no longer approved for treating depression: MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are still approved and used to treat depression, especially in cases where other medications have not been effective. They are not considered obsolete, though their use has become less common due to the availability of safer, more tolerable options. This is not the primary reason why MAOIs may not be prescribed.
B) Are more expensive than other antidepressants: While cost can be a factor in medication choice, it is not the primary reason why MAO inhibitors are less frequently prescribed for depression. There are other more significant concerns, such as side effects and dietary restrictions, that make other medications a preferred first-line choice.
C) Require strict dietary restrictions: This is the most accurate explanation. MAO inhibitors can cause dangerous interactions with certain foods that contain high levels of tyramine, such as aged cheeses, cured meats, and fermented products. Consuming these foods while on an MAOI can lead to a hypertensive crisis, which is a life-threatening condition. Because of these dietary restrictions, patients on MAOIs must adhere to a strict diet, which can be challenging to manage.
D) Can cause profound hypotension: While hypotension can occur as a side effect of MAOIs, it is not the most significant concern. The more serious risk with MAOIs is the potential for a hypertensive crisis due to dietary interactions with tyramine-containing foods, rather than hypotension. Therefore, the dietary restrictions are a more pressing issue than the risk of hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Increased calcium: Sympathetic activation typically does not cause a direct increase in calcium levels. Calcium levels are more influenced by factors like parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D, or conditions such as bone disease or renal issues. Although some stress responses can lead to changes in calcium metabolism, an increase in calcium is not a typical response to sympathetic activation.
B) Decreased sodium: While sodium imbalances can occur in various conditions, the sympathetic nervous system does not directly cause a decrease in sodium. The body's handling of sodium is more influenced by factors like kidney function and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Stress-related changes in sodium levels are less likely to cause a significant decrease in sodium, making this an unlikely focus in monitoring.
C) Decreased potassium: During stress, the body releases catecholamines (like epinephrine) as part of the sympathetic nervous response, which stimulates the movement of potassium into cells. This can result in a transient decrease in serum potassium levels (hypokalemia). Monitoring for decreased potassium is important, as low potassium can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness, which are particularly concerning after surgery or trauma.
D) Increased chloride: Chloride is typically maintained in balance with sodium, and while it may shift in certain conditions, sympathetic activation does not directly lead to increased chloride levels. Most chloride imbalances are secondary to changes in sodium, acid-base disturbances, or kidney function. Therefore, an increase in chloride is less likely in this scenario.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Decreased blood pressure:
Isoproterenol (Isuprel) is a non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist that primarily stimulates beta-1 and beta-2 receptors. It causes vasodilation through beta-2 stimulation, but its predominant effect is increasing heart rate and cardiac output via beta-1 stimulation. This tends to result in an increase in blood pressure
B) Decreased heart rate:
Isoproterenol generally leads to an increase in heart rate because of its beta-1 adrenergic activity, which stimulates the heart's pacemaker cells. It is commonly used to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate).
C) Increased body temperature:
Although isoproterenol can lead to increased heart rate and blood flow, it does not directly cause a significant increase in body temperature. Temperature changes are more commonly seen with drugs affecting metabolism or those that induce fever.
D) Increased blood pressure:
Isoproterenol stimulates beta-1 receptors in the heart, leading to increased heart rate and cardiac output, which typically results in an increase in blood pressure. However, due to its beta-2 effects, there can be some vasodilation, which may counteract this effect slightly. Despite this, the overall effect of isoproterenol is typically an increase in blood pressure, especially in a shock setting, where improving circulation is critical.
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