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More questions ( 16 Questions)
A nurse is monitoring medication adherence and potential side effects for a woman with postpartum depression who is taking sertraline (Zoloft).
Which of the following side effects should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
Nausea is a common side effect of sertraline that usually improves over time or can be managed with anti-nausea medications.
It is not a serious concern unless it interferes with eating or drinking.
Headache is another common side effect of sertraline that can be treated with painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
It is not a sign of a serious problem unless it is severe or persistent.
Insomnia is also a common side effect of sertraline that can be reduced by taking the medication in the morning or by avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
It is not a serious issue unless it affects your daily functioning or mental health.
Normal ranges for serotonin levels in the blood are 101–283 ng/mL.
Serotonin syndrome can occur when serotonin levels are too high, usually above 500 ng/mL.
Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can occur when taking sertraline or other antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain. It can cause symptoms such as agitation, confusion, muscle rigidity, fever, seizures and coma.
The correct answer is choice D. Serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can occur when taking sertraline or other antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain. It can cause symptoms such as agitation, confusion, muscle rigidity, fever, seizures and coma.
It requires immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening.
Choice A. Nausea is a common side effect of sertraline that usually improves over time or can be managed with anti-nausea medications.
It is not a serious concern unless it interferes with eating or drinking.
Choice B. Headache is another common side effect of sertraline that can be treated with painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
It is not a sign of a serious problem unless it is severe or persistent.
Choice C. Insomnia is also a common side effect of sertraline that can be reduced by taking the medication in the morning or by avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
It is not a serious issue unless it affects your daily functioning or mental health.
Normal ranges for serotonin levels in the blood are 101–283 ng/mL.
Serotonin syndrome can occur when serotonin levels are too high, usually above 500 ng/mL.