A client being treated for depression with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) becomes agitated, diaphoretic, and complains of muscle spasms and tremors. The client's sister confides to the nurse her sister has been taking St
John's wort daily for the last 6 months. Which of the following actions should be taken by the nurse? A)
Withhold any scheduled doses of the SSRI and notify the physician.
B)
Ask the client to give the St. John's wort tablets to the staff.
C)
Have the laboratory draw blood work for a serotonin level.
D)
Discuss the dangers of taking over-the-counter herbal preparations with the client.
A
Explanation:
A)
The symptoms are suggestive of serotonin syndrome as a result of excess serotonin activity from the St. John's wort and SSRI. It can be fatal and needs to be reported immediately. The other options do not address the critical nature of the situation.
Analysis
Implementation
Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
B)
The symptoms are suggestive of serotonin syndrome as a result of excess serotonin activity from the St. John's wort and SSRI. It can be fatal and needs to be reported immediately. The other options do not address the critical nature of the situation.
Analysis
Implementation
Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
C)
The symptoms are suggestive of serotonin syndrome as a result of excess serotonin activity from the St. John's wort and SSRI. It can be fatal and needs to be reported immediately. The other options do not address the critical nature of the situation.
Analysis
Implementation
Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
D)
The symptoms are suggestive of serotonin syndrome as a result of excess serotonin activity from the St. John's wort and SSRI. It can be fatal and needs to be reported immediately. The other options do not address the critical nature of the situation.
Analysis
Implementation
Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies
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