What serious side effect should a nurse monitor for in clients taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors?

When clients are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, one serious side effect that necessitates close monitoring is hypertension. MAO inhibitors work by preventing the breakdown of monoamines, which include neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine. When these medications are taken, especially in conjunction with foods that are rich in tyramine (like aged cheese, cured meats, and fermented products), it can lead to a significant increase in norepinephrine levels. This excessive norepinephrine can result in acute hypertensive crises, characterized by severe elevations in blood pressure, which can lead to complications like stroke or other cardiovascular emergencies.

Understanding this mechanism is crucial for both healthcare providers and patients to mitigate risks while using MAO inhibitors. It is typically recommended that individuals on these medications avoid tyramine-rich foods to prevent such hypertensive episodes. This significant link between the use of MAO inhibitors and the risk of hypertension highlights the necessity for vigilant monitoring in clinical practice.