Which serious side effect of Elavil requires immediate intervention? A. Orthostatic hypotension B. Urinary retention C. ECG changes D. Sedation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Urinary retention. Elavil, a tricyclic antidepressant, can cause anticholinergic effects leading to urinary retention, which can be a serious side effect requiring immediate intervention to prevent complications like urinary retention, necessitating prompt medical attention to prevent potential complications such as bladder distention or urinary retention-induced kidney damage.
A: Orthostatic hypotension - While Elavil can cause orthostatic hypotension, it is not typically considered a serious side effect that requires immediate intervention.
C: ECG changes - Elavil can cause ECG changes, but they may not always necessitate immediate intervention.
D: Sedation - Sedation is a common side effect of Elavil but is not typically considered a serious side effect requiring immediate intervention.