Problem
A 58-year-old patient, Roberta, comes to the clinic with a history of depression since the loss of her husband 18months ago. She complains she is having problems sleeping and eating. After a psychiatric evaluation, she is given a 2-week prescription for fluoxetine (Prozac) 60mg once a day. After 4 days she arrives in emergency department with her daughter who believes her mother has a 'bad infection'. Roberta presents shivering with tremors and mild confusion and agitation. The nurse asks about the medication Roberta has taken and finds she has been taking St. Johns Wart for the last 2months. Vitals: Wt. 135lbs, T-38.4C, P-122, BP-162/92, 02Sat. 95% in room air 1. What is this reaction called? 2. What is causing this reaction? Explain the mechanism of this condition. 3. What nursing action could have prevented this problem?