Question

A nurse provided medication education for a patient diagnosed with major depression who began a new prescription for phenelzine (Nardil). Which behavior indicates effective learning? The patient:
a. monitors sodium intake and weight daily.
b. wears support stockings and elevates the legs when sitting.
c. can identify foods with high selenium content that should be avoided.
d. confers with a pharmacist when selecting over-the-counter medications.

Answer 1

c. can identify foods with high selenium content that should be avoided.
Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), and patients taking MAOIs need to avoid foods high in tyramine to prevent hypertensive crises. Patients should also avoid foods high in selenium while taking phenelzine. By being able to identify foods with high selenium content that should be avoided, the patient demonstrates understanding of the medication education provided. Monitoring sodium intake and weight daily, wearing support stockings, elevating legs, and consulting a pharmacist for OTC medications are not specific to the dietary restrictions associated with MAOI therapy.