Question

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new prescription for phenelzine. Which of the following food recommendations should the nurse make?

a. Foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and cured meats
b. Foods rich in vitamin K, such as leafy greens
c. Caffeine-rich beverages, such as coffee and energy drinks
d. High-fiber foods, such as whole grains and fruits

Answer 1

The nurse should recommend avoiding foods high in tyramine to a client taking phenelzine.

Step-by-step explanation:

When providing dietary teaching to a client taking phenelzine, the nurse should recommend avoiding foods high in tyramine, such as aged cheese and cured meats (option a). Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and consuming tyramine-rich foods can cause a hypertensive crisis. Foods rich in vitamin K (option b), caffeine-rich beverages (option c), and high-fiber foods (option d) do not have a direct interaction with phenelzine.