Which food should a nurse eliminate from the diet of a client taking selegiline?

When a client is taking selegiline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), it is important to eliminate certain foods that can cause adverse reactions, particularly those containing high levels of tyramine. Tyramine is an amino acid that, when ingested in excessive amounts by individuals on MAOIs, can lead to hypertensive crises due to the inhibition of tyramine breakdown.

Cheddar cheese is particularly high in tyramine, as aging processes involved in cheese production typically elevate its tyramine content. When combined with selegiline, which inhibits the breakdown of tyramine, this could potentially lead to significant increases in blood pressure and other serious side effects.

In contrast, yogurt, chicken breast, and brown rice are not high in tyramine and are generally considered safe for consumption while taking selegiline. This makes eliminating cheddar cheese from the diet of a client on selegiline a crucial step in managing their treatment and preventing dangerous interactions.