The nurse explains that sertraline can cause dry mouth. Which combination of education points is appropriate?

• A. Dry Mouth
• B. Sips of Water
• C. Dry Mouth and Sips of Water
• D. Hydration measures only

Answer: (C)

When teaching about a medication that can cause a side effect, you want to pair awareness of the symptom with a practical plan to manage it. Sertraline can lead to dry mouth, a symptom that can be uncomfortable and, if not managed, can affect oral health.

The best education combines both recognizing the symptom and taking a concrete action to relieve it. Saying that you may experience dry mouth and also advising to take small sips of water gives the patient a clear, actionable strategy to maintain moisture and comfort right away. This approach addresses the issue directly rather than just naming it or giving generic hydration advice.

Why this pairing fits best: it acknowledges the potential side effect and immediately offers a simple, effective coping method. Simply noting the symptom without a management step leaves a gap, and giving only a coping action without acknowledging the symptom leaves the patient wondering when it applies. Hydration measures alone don’t explicitly connect the action to the side effect, and focusing only on the symptom or only on hydration leaves room for confusion.

Additional tips can be discussed if appropriate, such as using sugar-free gum or maintaining good oral care, but the essential message is that dry mouth may occur and it can be alleviated with regular sips of water.