A patient who has been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) reports to ...

[Chloeellawright]

A patient who has been prescribed sertraline (Zoloft) reports to the nurse that she uses St. John's Wort. What danger does the nurse recognize?
 
  1. Tardive dyskinesia
  2. Serotonin syndrome
  3. Stevens-Johnson rash
  4. Anaphylactic reaction

Question 2

In order to minimize neuromuscular side effects, which medication is likely to be prescribed for psychotic symptoms?
 
  1. Lithium
  2. Olanzapine
  3. Galantamine
  4. Haldoperidol

[SVictor]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 2
Explanation: Serotonin syndrome, a sometimes fatal condition, typically occurs when two or more medications that increase serotonin levels are used concurrently. St.John's Wort and Zoloft are two such substances. An anaphylactic reaction is a severe, whole-body allergic response to a medication. Stevens-Johnson rash is a severe hypersensitivity reaction to a medication or infection. Tardive dyskenesia is a condition characterized by extrapyramidal symptoms that result from certain anti-psychotic medications.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2
Explanation: Second generation antipsychotics such as olanzapine have fewer neuromuscular side effects than first generation antipsychotics such as haloperidol. Lithium is a salt ion used in the treatment of bipolar disorder. Galantamine is a cholinesterase inhibitor.