A client was recently admitted to the inpatient unit after a suicide attempt and has not responded to SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants.The client asks the nurse,"I heard about MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).Why can't they be added to what I am on now? Wouldn't adding one help?" Which is the most appropriate nursing response?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

MAOIs have potentially dangerous interactions with many other medications and foods, and combining them with SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome or hypertensive crisis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Therefore, the nurse should inform the client of the risks involved in combining MAOIs with their current medication regimen. A is incorrect because ECT is not necessarily the best or only option. C and D are incorrect because MAOIs should not be added to the medication therapy without careful consideration of the risks and benefits.

A Client Was Recently Admitted to the Inpatient Unit After