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The nurse is caring for a client in an outpatient psychiatric clinic who has been applying a selegiline 12 mg transdermal patch once daily. Thursday - Pt presents with irritability, diaphoresis, severe headache. My heart is pounding. I have eaten a corned beef sandwich with Swiss cheese.

a) Monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome
b) Assess for signs of hypertensive crisis
c) Instruct the client to discontinue the patch
d) Encourage increased fluid intake

User Phonon
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

The symptoms experienced by the client may indicate serotonin syndrome, and monitoring for signs is important. Discontinuing the patch should be done under guidance from a healthcare professional. Increased fluid intake is not directly related to the symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms experienced by the client, such as irritability, diaphoresis, severe headache, and a pounding heart, may indicate a potential serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome occurs when there is an excess accumulation of serotonin in the body, typically due to a drug interaction or overdose. In this case, it is important to monitor the client for signs of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, confusion, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, and muscle stiffness.

If the client's symptoms worsen or they experience a hypertensive crisis, characterized by severely high blood pressure, chest pain, severe headache, and confusion, immediate medical attention should be sought. However, discontinuation of the selegiline patch should not be done without consulting a healthcare professional. The client should follow the healthcare professional's instructions on how to safely discontinue the medication.

Encouraging increased fluid intake is not directly related to the client's symptoms and would not address the potential serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis. It is important to prioritize medical attention and follow healthcare professional guidance in this situation.

User Causaelity
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