The health care provider (HCP) has prescribed amitriptyline 25 mg orally every morning for an elderly client with recent herpes zoster infection (shingles) and severe postherpetic neuralgia. What is the priority nursing action?

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Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, imipramine) are commonly used for neuropathic pain. Side effects are especially common in elderly clients. 11ecbb05_cc9b_67a8_b433_f1b3e76161e9_MD0009_00 Due to the increased risk of falling, the priority nursing action is to teach the client to get up slowly from the bed or a sitting position. (Options A, B, and D) These are important instructions but not priority ones. Educational objective: The most common side effects experienced by clients taking tricyclic antidepressants include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, photosensitivity, urinary retention, and blurred vision. The priority nursing action is to teach caution in changing positions due to the increased risk for falls from dizziness and orthostatic hypotension, especially in elderly clients.

The Health Care Provider (HCP) Has Prescribed Amitriptyline 25 Mg