J Educ Res Nurs. Ahead of Print: JERN-48897 | DOI: 10.14744/jern.2025.48897

Serotonin Syndrome in an Adolescent: Early Nursing Interventions and Care Strategies in the Emergency Department Using the Components of Life Model

Sevgim Küçük Ulak¹, Aslı Alaca^2
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Health Sciences, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, İzmir, Türkiye
²Department of Pediatric Emergency, İzmir City Hospital, İzmir, Türkiye

This case report discusses a 16-year-old female patient who presented to the emergency department following a sui-cide attempt involving an overdose of lamotrigine and sertraline tablets, resulting in symptoms consistent with sero-tonin syndrome. The patient’s presentation highlights the complexities of managing neuropsychiatric conditions asso-ciated with suicide attempts in adolescents, particularly given the rarity of serotonin syndrome in this age group. Upon admission, the patient exhibited acute serotonin syndrome symptoms including tachycardia, sweating, delirium, and neuromuscular disturbances, which led to the diagnosis of serotonin syndrome. Early intervention involved close moni-toring of vital signs, administration of oxygen and fluid therapy, and treatment with the serotonin antagonist cyprohep-tadine alongside benzodiazepines. This comprehensive approach, supported by multidisciplinary collaboration, enabled the patient to be safely stabilized. In conclusion, this case emphasizes the importance of early recognition and prompt treatment of serotonin syndrome in adolescents, as well as the vital role of a multidisciplinary team in managing such cases. It also offers valuable insight into the emergency management of suicide attempts. Furthermore, the application of Jones' Life Components Model in nursing care within the emergency department proved instrumental in enhancing patient outcomes through improved collaboration and a patient-centered approach.

Keywords: Adolescent, case study, Jones Dependency Tool, Life Components Model, nursing care, serotonin syndrome, suicidal behavior

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