Which symptom should a nurse associate with serotonin syndrome?

Nausea is a common symptom associated with serotonin syndrome, which results from an increase in serotonin levels in the brain. This condition often arises from the use of certain medications, including antidepressants, especially when they are taken in combination or in high doses. The overactivity of serotonin can affect multiple body systems, leading to gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea and vomiting.

In contrast, symptoms like constipation and weight gain typically do not align with serotonin syndrome. Constipation can occur with some antidepressant treatments, but it is not a hallmark of serotonin syndrome itself. Weight gain is more associated with long-term use of certain medications rather than acute serotonin elevation. Hypertension can occur but is less specifically characteristic of serotonin syndrome compared to nausea. Thus, the presence of nausea prominently aligns with the clinical picture of serotonin syndrome, making it the most relevant symptom to recognize.