Question

the nurse is planning discharge instructions for a client newly prescribed amitriptyline for depression. which instruction is important for the nurse to include in the clients teaching?

a obtain daily blood pressure readings.

b do not ingest foods with tyramine.

c take with a glass of orange juice.

d avoid the consumption of alcohol.

Explanation:

• Option A: Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant, and while it can affect blood pressure, daily BP readings aren't a standard key instruction compared to other options.
• Option B: Avoiding tyramine - rich foods is for monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline.
• Option C: There's no specific need to take amitriptyline with orange juice; this is not a key teaching point.
• Option D: Alcohol and amitriptyline both have central nervous system depressant effects. Combining them can increase sedation, respiratory depression, and other adverse effects. So avoiding alcohol is an important instruction.

Answer:

D. Avoid the consumption of alcohol.