Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 74%
Simulated
A nurse is administering an antidepressant medication to a client. The nurse should understand that which of the following is the major difference between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCA)?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Correct Answer: C. TCAs are lethal in overdose.
Rationale:
1. TCAs have a narrow therapeutic index, making them more toxic in overdose.
2. SSRIs are safer in overdose due to their selective action on serotonin reuptake.
3. TCA overdose can lead to serious cardiovascular effects, seizures, and even death.
4. Understanding this key difference is crucial for nurses to ensure safe administration and monitoring of antidepressant medications.
Summary of other choices:
A: SSRIs and TCAs may have similar efficacy in relieving manifestations, but this is not the major difference between the two classes.
B: SSRIs generally have less sedative effects compared to TCAs, but this is not the major difference specified in the question.
D: TCAs are actually known for their cardiovascular effects, including orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias, so this statement is incorrect.
Rationale:
1. TCAs have a narrow therapeutic index, making them more toxic in overdose.
2. SSRIs are safer in overdose due to their selective action on serotonin reuptake.
3. TCA overdose can lead to serious cardiovascular effects, seizures, and even death.
4. Understanding this key difference is crucial for nurses to ensure safe administration and monitoring of antidepressant medications.
Summary of other choices:
A: SSRIs and TCAs may have similar efficacy in relieving manifestations, but this is not the major difference between the two classes.
B: SSRIs generally have less sedative effects compared to TCAs, but this is not the major difference specified in the question.
D: TCAs are actually known for their cardiovascular effects, including orthostatic hypotension and arrhythmias, so this statement is incorrect.