A nurse provided medication education for a patient diagnosed with major depressive disorder who began a new prescription for phenelzine (Nardil). Which behavior indicates effective learning? The patient:

Choice A reason: Phenelzine, an MAOI, requires avoiding tyramine-rich foods, not selenium-rich foods. Tyramine interacts with MAOIs, causing hypertensive crises due to norepinephrine surges in the synaptic cleft. Selenium has no specific interaction with MAOIs, making this choice irrelevant to safe medication management. Choice B reason: Phenelzine inhibits monoamine oxidase, increasing serotonin and norepinephrine, and interacts dangerously with many over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine, causing hypertensive crises. Consulting a pharmacist ensures safe choices, preventing adverse reactions due to altered neurotransmitter metabolism, reflecting effective understanding of MAOI risks. Choice C reason: Monitoring sodium and weight is unrelated to phenelzine’s mechanism or side effects. MAOIs primarily affect monoamine neurotransmitters, not electrolytes or fluid balance. This behavior does not address the critical dietary or drug interaction precautions necessary for safe MAOI use. Choice D reason: Support stockings and leg elevation address circulatory issues, not phenelzine’s risks. MAOIs increase monoamine levels, risking hypertensive crises with certain foods or drugs, not venous stasis. This behavior does not reflect understanding of phenelzine’s neurochemical interactions or safety requirements.