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) Broccoli

b) Yogurt

c) Pepperoni pizza

d) Cream cheese

Answer 1

A client on phenelzine should avoid high-tyramine foods to prevent a hypertensive crisis. Broccoli is the safest option among the foods listed as it is low in tyramine compared to yogurt, pepperoni pizza, and cream cheese.

Step-by-step explanation:

The client who has a new prescription for phenelzine, which is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), should be advised to avoid foods that are high in tyramine. Foods high in tyramine can cause a hypertensive crisis in clients taking MAOIs. The nurse should recommend that the client eat a diet low in tyramine, and therefore, choices like yogurt, pepperoni pizza, and cream cheese should be avoided as they may contain high levels of tyramine. Among the options provided, broccoli is a safer choice as it has lower tyramine content and is generally considered to be safe for individuals taking phenelzine.