NCLEX In Progress

A client has been severely depressed since her husband died 6 months earlier. Her physician orders amitriptyline hydrochloride, 50 mg by mouth daily. Before administering amitriptyline, the nurse reviews the client's medical history. Which preexisting condition requires cautious use of this drug?

Hepatic disease Rationale- Conditions requiring cautious use of amitriptyline include pregnancy, breast-feeding, suicidal tendencies, cardiovascular disease, and impaired hepatic function. Hiatal hernia, hypernatremia, and hypokalemia don't affect amitriptyline therapy.