The patient receives imipramine (Tofranil) as treatment for depression. He is admitted to the emergency department following an intentional overdose of this medication. What will the best assessment by the nurse include?
1. The patient's cardiac status
2. The patient's liver function
3. The patient's renal status
4. The patient's neurological function
Correct Answer: 1
Rationale: Tricyclic antidepressants are cardiotoxic. An overdose could result in a fatal dysrhythmia. Cardiac status is the primary assessment, not the patient's renal status. Cardiac status is the primary assessment, not the patient's liver function. Cardiac status is the primary assessment, not the patient's neurological function.
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