Antidepressant

Sample Solution

Absolutely, let's break down these scenarios.

Part A: Tiffany's Antidepressant Side Effects

Tiffany, experiencing sleep disturbances, frequent crying, and suicidal thoughts, is prescribed an antidepressant with anticholinergic side effects. In the first week of treatment, she might experience the following:

• Dry Mouth: Anticholinergic drugs reduce saliva production, leading to a sensation of dry mouth.
• Blurred Vision: These drugs can interfere with the muscles that control lens accommodation, causing blurred vision, particularly for near vision.
• Constipation: Reduced gastrointestinal motility can lead to constipation.
• Urinary Retention: Anticholinergics can affect the bladder muscles, making it difficult to urinate completely.
• Dizziness/Lightheadedness: This can occur due to orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing).
• Tachycardia (Increased Heart Rate): Anticholinergics can block the parasympathetic nervous system's influence on the heart, leading to an increased heart rate.
• Cognitive Effects: Some individuals may experience mild confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems.

It's important to note that the severity of these side effects can vary depending on the specific antidepressant, the dosage, and individual sensitivity. These side effects should be monitored, and Tiffany should communicate with her physician regarding any concerns.

Part B: Maria's Mastoiditis and Labyrinthitis

Maria, presenting with ear pain, dizziness, and falls, is diagnosed with mastoiditis with secondary labyrinthitis.

• Route of Infection and Infected Structures:

  • The most likely route of infection is from a middle ear infection (otitis media). Otitis media is a common childhood infection that, if left untreated or if severe, can spread to the mastoid air cells.

Full Answer Section

• • The infected structures are:
    • Middle Ear: The initial infection likely began in the middle ear.
    • Mastoid Process: The mastoid process, a bony prominence behind the ear, contains air cells that are continuous with the middle ear. The infection spread from the middle ear to these mastoid air cells, resulting in mastoiditis.
    • Labyrinth (Inner Ear): The labyrinth, located in the inner ear, is responsible for balance and hearing. The infection spread from the mastoid process to the labyrinth, causing labyrinthitis.

• Cause of Dizziness and Falling:

  • Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the labyrinth, which disrupts the vestibular system's function.
  • The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
  • When the labyrinth is inflamed, it sends conflicting signals to the brain, leading to:
    • Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or dizziness.
    • Imbalance: Difficulty maintaining balance, leading to falls.
    • The inflammation disrupts the signals that the brain recieves from the inner ear, and causes the brain to have a hard time understanding the bodies position in space.