Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 83%
Simulated
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for phenelzine. Which of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Cheddar cheese. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) that interacts with tyramine-rich foods, such as aged cheeses like cheddar. Tyramine can cause dangerously high blood pressure levels when combined with MAOIs. Sweet potatoes, orange juice, and canned tuna do not contain high levels of tyramine and are safe to consume with phenelzine.