What is a common symptom of a hypertensive crisis in a client taking phenelzine?

What is a common symptom of a hypertensive crisis in a client taking phenelzine?

• A. Chills
• B. Constricted pupils
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Stiff neck

Answer: (C)

A common symptom of a hypertensive crisis, particularly in patients taking phenelzine, is tachycardia. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which can lead to dangerously high blood pressure when combined with foods containing tyramine or certain medications. The release of catecholamines (such as norepinephrine) during this crisis can cause an increase in heart rate, which manifests as tachycardia. Recognizing tachycardia in this context is critical for ensuring prompt treatment and intervention to prevent serious complications. The other symptoms, while potentially significant in various clinical contexts, do not specifically align with the typical presentation of a hypertensive crisis involving a patient on phenelzine.

A common symptom of a hypertensive crisis, particularly in patients taking phenelzine, is tachycardia. Phenelzine is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which can lead to dangerously high blood pressure when combined with foods containing tyramine or certain medications. The release of catecholamines (such as norepinephrine) during this crisis can cause an increase in heart rate, which manifests as tachycardia.

Recognizing tachycardia in this context is critical for ensuring prompt treatment and intervention to prevent serious complications. The other symptoms, while potentially significant in various clinical contexts, do not specifically align with the typical presentation of a hypertensive crisis involving a patient on phenelzine.