Question

complete the midterm exam by day 7 of week 5.
walden university
question 5 1 pts
scenario: a 45 - year - old female with major depressive disorder recently increased her dose of venlafaxine and developed hypertension.
question: what should be the course of action?

• discontinue venlafaxine
• add an antihypertensive
• reduce the dose of venlafaxine
• switch to an ssri

Explanation:

Venlafaxine (a serotonin - norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, SNRI) can cause hypertension, especially with dose increases. Reducing the dose of venlafaxine is a logical first step to address the newly developed hypertension while still managing the major depressive disorder. Discontinuing venlafaxine abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms and worsen depression. Adding an antihypertensive might not address the root cause (the medication dose) and could lead to polypharmacy. Switching to an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) is a more drastic measure and not the first - line action for a dose - related side effect.

Answer:

C. Reduce the dose of venlafaxine