A patient taking amitriptyline reports dizziness on standing and nearly faints while walking to the bathroom. Which nursing action is the priority?
Correct answer: A. Assist the patient to sit or lie down and check blood pressure.
- A. Assist the patient to sit or lie down and check blood pressure.
- B. Offer the patient a high-protein snack before walking again.
- C. Encourage the patient to continue walking to build tolerance.
- D. Give the next dose early to prevent further dizziness.
Explanation
Amitriptyline can cause orthostatic hypotension, making a fall the immediate safety risk. The nurse should prevent injury first, then assess lying and standing blood pressure and inform the prescriber if symptoms persist.
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About Psychopharmacology
Psychopharmacology covers the actions, uses, adverse effects, and nursing responsibilities associated with antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, sedatives, and stimulants. It includes extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, serotonin syndrome, lithium toxicity, medication adherence, and monitoring of therapeutic response.
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