Final answer:
The correct answer to the interaction of an MAO inhibitor with meperidine is option b)Serotonin syndrome, which is a serious condition that can occur when the two drugs are taken together due to excessive serotonin accumulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The combination of a MAO inhibitor and meperidine is a known drug interaction that can lead to Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Meperidine is a synthetic opioid analgesic, similar to morphine. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are a class of drugs that inhibit the activity of monoamine oxidase enzymes, thereby increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. When these two types of drugs are combined, there is a significant risk for an excessive accumulation of serotonin, resulting in a range of symptoms that can include agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, loss of muscle coordination or twitching muscles, muscle rigidity, heavy sweating, diarrhea, headache, shivering, and goose bumps.
The correct answer to the question of what occurs when combining an MAO inhibitor with meperidine is b) Serotonin syndrome.