Final answer:
The nurse should recognize dry mouth as an adverse effect of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline. Amitriptyline can cause various side effects, but urinary frequency, tinnitus, and exophthalmos are not typically among them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse is assessing a client who is taking amitriptyline for depression. Among the options given, the nurse should identify dry mouth as an adverse effect of the medication. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, and common side effects of antidepressants can include symptoms like weight gain, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, agitation, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. Urinary frequency might be a side effect of medications known as diuretics, which increase the frequency of urination. However, amitriptyline does not typically cause urinary frequency or tinnitus. Exophthalmos is not a known side effect of amitriptyline. Instead, it's associated with conditions like Graves' disease.
It's important for healthcare professionals to provide support and information regarding mental health conditions and the medications used for treatment, as well as to monitor for any side effects. Patient education about potential side effects and when to notify a healthcare provider is a critical part of managing treatment with antidepressants.