A client with depression has been taking citalopram, an SSRI, for several months and has presented for a follow-up assessment. The client tells the nurse, "I've been reading a lot online about the benefits of St. John's wort for depression, so I've started taking it once per day." In addition to referring the client to the provider, what is the nurse's best response?
"There can be an unsafe reaction between your antidepressant and St. John's wort, which is why taking them both is discouraged."
"Herbal remedies often contain unknown doses of the desired ingredient, which can be dangerous."
"It's very important that you not take the St. John's wort at the same time of day as your antidepressant."
"It's very important that you comply with your prescribed treatment."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "There can be an unsafe reaction between your antidepressant and St. John's wort, which is why taking them both is discouraged." is correct; St. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of SSRIs and may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, making it vital for the nurse to address this safety concern.
B. "Herbal remedies often contain unknown doses of the desired ingredient, which can be dangerous." is a valid point, but it does not specifically address the interaction with the client’s current medication.
C. "It's very important that you not take the St. John's wort at the same time of day as your antidepressant." is misleading; the concern is not just about timing but about taking both together at all.
D. "It's very important that you comply with your prescribed treatment." while true, this response does not directly address the specific risks associated with combining St. John's wort and citalopram.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Constricted pupils are not an expected response to isoproterenol, which generally causes dilation of the pupils due to sympathetic stimulation.
B. Warm, dry skin is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of isoproterenol; it could result from various factors unrelated to the medication's action.
C. Increased heart rate indicates that isoproterenol, which is a beta-agonist, is effectively stimulating the beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to increased cardiac output and heart rate.
D. Decreased urine output is not a sign of effectiveness and could indicate adverse effects such as reduced renal perfusion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The combination of nitroglycerin and sildenafil can lead to severe hypotension due to the vasodilatory effects of both medications. This is the most critical adverse reaction the nurse should anticipate.
B. Bradycardia is not a direct effect of this combination; rather, hypotension is a more significant concern.
C. Chest pain may occur if hypotension leads to inadequate perfusion, but it is not a direct adverse effect of the drug interaction.
D. Nausea can occur with various medications, but it is not specifically linked to the interaction between nitroglycerin and sildenafil.