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    HESI RN Psychiatric and Mental Health Proctored Exam
    Select All That Apply

    A client who was admitted 3 days ago for a bowel obstruction has a liter of lactated Ringer’s with potassium chloride (KCl) 20 mEq infusing. The client has been receiving selegiline for depression. When the client reports experiencing a severe headache, the nurse obtains a blood pressure of 200/110 mm Hg. Which action(s) should the nurse take? (Select all that apply)

    Explanation & Rationale

    Choice A reason: Selegiline, an MAOI, can cause hypertensive crisis, especially with dietary tyramine or drug interactions. Withholding the next dose prevents further escalation of the client’s severe hypertension (200/110 mm Hg), aligning with pharmacology protocols for MAOI-related crises, making this a critical nursing action.Choice B reason: Monitoring blood pressure and pulse every 15 minutes tracks the client’s hypertensive crisis, ensuring timely detection of changes in this life-threatening condition. Frequent vital signs are essential for managing MAOI-induced hypertension, aligning with critical care standards, making this an appropriate action.Choice C reason: Measuring hourly urinary output is relevant for fluid status but not urgent in a hypertensive crisis. Blood pressure monitoring and provider notification address the immediate danger of selegiline’s effects, making urinary output less critical and incorrect for this acute scenario’s priority actions.Choice D reason: Discontinuing the IV infusion is unnecessary, as lactated Ringer’s with KCl is not causing the hypertension. Selegiline’s MAOI effects are the likely culprit. Stopping the IV risks fluid imbalance without addressing the crisis, making this incorrect for managing the client’s condition.Choice E reason: Notifying the healthcare provider is essential, as the client’s severe headache and hypertension (200/110 mm Hg) suggest an MAOI-related crisis requiring urgent medical intervention. This ensures rapid management, aligning with patient safety protocols, making it a critical action for the nurse to take.

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