A client is prescribed an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) antidepressant. Which dietary teaching is essential?

MAOI DIETARY RESTRICTIONS — TYRAMINE: MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline) inhibit the enzyme that breaks down tyramine; consuming tyramine-rich foods while on an MAOI causes a dangerous spike in blood pressure (HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS). TYRAMINE-RICH FOODS TO AVOID: Aged cheeses; cured/smoked/processed meats (salami, pepperoni); fermented foods (sauerkraut, kimchi, miso); draft/tap beer; red wine; soy sauce; fava beans; overripe fruits; aged/fermented anything; HYPERTENSIVE CRISIS SIGNS: Severe occipital headache, palpitations, neck stiffness, nausea/vomiting, sweating, severe hypertension — MEDICAL EMERGENCY; DRUG INTERACTIONS: MAOIs interact dangerously with many drugs (SSRIs, sympathomimetics, opioids like meperidine) — risk of serotonin syndrome and hypertensive crisis; require washout periods between MAOIs and other antidepressants; PATIENT EDUCATION: Strict dietary compliance, avoid OTC cold/decongestant medications, report severe headache immediately; nursing role: thorough dietary and drug-interaction teaching, monitor for hypertensive crisis, ensure the client understands the serious consequences of dietary non-compliance.