Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Full-length
A client's record from the ED indicates that she overdosed on phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. Which diet would be the most appropriate at this time?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Tyramine is an amino acid activated by MAO in the liver and intestinal wall. It is released as proteins are hydrolyzed through aging, pickling, smoking, or spoilage of foods. When MAO is inhibited, tyramine levels rise, stimulating the adrenergic system to release large amounts of norepinephrine, which can produce a hypertensive crisis.