Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What condition must a nurse be cautious about when a patient is prescribed SSRIs and tryptophan together?

1. Hyperthyroidism

2. Serotonin syndrome

3. Cerebral palsy

4. Neuropathy

The correct answer is: Serotonin syndrome

When a patient is prescribed both SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and tryptophan, the most significant concern is the potential for serotonin syndrome. This condition occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the brain, which can happen due to the combined effect of the SSRI and tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by a range of symptoms, including confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle rigidity, and in severe cases, it can lead to seizures, fever, or even death. Nurses must be vigilant in monitoring patients for signs and symptoms of this potentially life-threatening condition, especially when starting or increasing dosages of either medication. In contrast, the other conditions listed do not have the same direct relationship with the use of SSRIs and tryptophan, making them less of a concern in this context.