A nurse is caring for a client in a clinic. For each body system below, click to specify the adverse effect that the nurse should include in the teaching. Choose the most likely response for the dropdown(s) in the table below by choosing from the lists of options. Body System Common Adverse Effects Head, eyes, ears, nose, and throat (HEENT) _____ Cardiovascular _____ Genitourinary _____ Gastrointestinal _____
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: • HEENT – Dry mouth: SSRIs such as sertraline commonly cause dry mouth due to anticholinergic effects and altered salivary secretion. Clients may notice difficulty swallowing, increased thirst, or altered taste. Education should include strategies to manage dry mouth, such as frequent sips of water, sugar-free gum, or saliva substitutes. • Cardiovascular – Tachycardia: Sertraline may increase sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to mild tachycardia. Clients should monitor heart rate and report palpitations, lightheadedness, or other cardiovascular changes. Although usually mild, monitoring is important for those with underlying heart conditions. • Genitourinary – Urinary retention: SSRIs can interfere with detrusor muscle function and bladder emptying, leading to urinary retention in some clients. Teaching includes observing for difficulty urinating, straining, or reduced urine output, and reporting persistent problems to the provider. • Gastrointestinal – Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal upset is common when starting SSRIs, including diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramping. This occurs due to increased serotonin in the gut. Patients should be advised to maintain hydration and report severe or persistent symptoms.