Patient diagnosed with depression begins selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant therapy. The nurse should provide information to the patient and family about which of the following?

Reasoning: Choice A reason: Tyramine-free diets (avoiding aged cheeses and cured meats) are required for patients taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) to prevent hypertensive crisis. SSRIs do not interact with tyramine in this manner, so dietary restrictions regarding tyramine are unnecessary for patients on medications like fluoxetine or sertraline. Choice B reason: The FDA has issued a "black box" warning for SSRIs, especially in children and young adults, due to an increased risk of suicidal ideation during the initial weeks of therapy. As energy levels improve before the mood lifts, patients may feel more capable of acting on suicidal thoughts, necessitating close monitoring. Choice C reason: Sodium restriction is not indicated for SSRI therapy. While some SSRIs can cause hyponatremia (low sodium), especially in elderly patients (SIADH), the management involves monitoring serum levels rather than dietary restriction. Restricting sodium to 1 gram could actually worsen a potential case of drug-induced hyponatremia. Choice D reason: Photosensitivity is a side effect associated with some antipsychotics and older tricyclic antidepressants, but it is not a common or significant side effect of SSRIs. Patients on SSRIs generally do not need to take special precautions regarding sunlight exposure beyond standard sun safety practices used by the general population.