A 75-year-old patient with a long history of depression begins amitriptyline 100 mg/day.The patient also takes a diuretic daily for hypertension.What is the highest priority nursing diagnosis this patient is at risk for?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is at risk for falls related to dizziness and orthostatic hypotension, as amitriptyline can cause these side effects and the diuretic can exacerbate them. This is the highest priority nursing diagnosis as falls can lead to serious injury, especially in an older patient. The other options may be potential side effects of amitriptyline, but do not pose as immediate a risk as falls.

A 75-Year-Old Patient with a Long History of Depression Begins