A nurse is providing teaching to a client about the adverse effects of sertraline. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Increased urinary frequency: Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is not commonly associated with increased urinary frequency. Urinary changes are more often related to other medication classes, such as diuretics or alpha-blockers. B. Excessive sweating: Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a known adverse effect of SSRIs, including sertraline. It occurs due to increased serotonergic activity affecting thermoregulatory centers and can be bothersome enough to require dose adjustment or symptomatic management. C. Metallic taste in mouth: A metallic taste is more commonly reported with certain antibiotics or chemotherapy agents rather than SSRIs like sertraline. It is not a typical adverse effect of this medication. D. Dry cough: Dry cough is not a recognized adverse effect of sertraline. Respiratory symptoms are uncommon with SSRIs and should prompt evaluation for other causes.