A client with bulimia and depression who is taking phenelzine 90 mg daily is admitted to an acute care hospital for uncontrolled hypertension. Which dietary choices should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

A) Deep-fried shrimp: While deep-fried foods are generally high in fat and calories, there is no specific contraindication for clients taking phenelzine to avoid deep-fried shrimp. However, clients with hypertension may benefit from reducing their intake of high-fat foods. B) Pan-seared catfish: Pan-seared catfish is a relatively lean protein source and does not contain ingredients known to interact with phenelzine. However, clients with hypertension may benefit from limiting their intake of high-sodium foods, such as pan-seared catfish if it is prepared with added salt. C) Pepperoni pizza: Pepperoni pizza is a high-sodium food due to its processed meat toppings and cheese, and it may contain ingredients that interact with phenelzine. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and consuming foods high in tyramine, such as aged or fermented foods like pepperoni, can lead to hypertensive crisis. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to avoid pepperoni pizza to prevent potential interactions and exacerbation of hypertension. D) Beef tips with gravy: While beef tips with gravy may be high in sodium depending on how it is prepared, there is no specific contraindication for clients taking phenelzine to avoid this food. However, clients with hypertension may benefit from choosing lean cuts of beef and limiting their intake of high-sodium gravies.