Antipsychotics

Question 1

High potency: what are they?

Answer 1

Haloperidol/decanoate;

fluphenazine/decanoate

Question 2

Haloperidol + Fluphenazine: side effects

Answer 2

LOW sedative and LOW incidence of hypotension; but

HIGH incidence of EPS effects

Question 3

Haloperidol + Fluphenazine: nursing considerations?

Answer 3

given in large doses for ASSAULTIVE clients; used with elderly - risk of falling is reduced.
Decanoate: long-acting form is given every 2-4 weeks. IM injection = deep muscle - use Z-track!

Question 4

Medium potency: what is it? Helps control what?

Answer 4

Perphenazine!

Severe vomiting

Question 5

Perphenazine: side effects

Answer 5

orthostatic hypotension (unlike haldol and fluphenazine); dry mouth and constipation

Question 6

Low potency & TRADITIONAL - what is it?

Answer 6

Chlorpromazine

Question 7

Chlorpromazine: side effects

Answer 7

HIGH sedative effect and HIGH incidence of hypotension;
IRREVERSIBLE retinitis pigmentosus if given at 800 mg/day!
There is NO POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE but you ARE PHOTOSENSITIVE SO WEAR SUNSCREEN. just like tetracyclines and MAOIs!

Question 8

Atypical antipsychotics: what are they?

Answer 8

Risperidone + Ziprasidone, Quitiapine, Aripiprazole, CLOZAPINE, + Olanzapine

Question 9

Risperidone - side effects

Answer 9

moderate sedation + orthostatic hypotension and SIGNIFICANT weight gain; WARNING - TARDIVE DYSKINESIA @ doses over 6 mg

Question 10

Risperidone + Quetiapine - nursing considerations

Answer 10

both = first line choice of therapy; because mild EPS and very low anticholinergic side effects

Question 11

Quetiapine - side effects

Answer 11

moderate orthostatic hypotension + sedation; VERY LOW RISK of tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome!

Question 12

Ziprasidone - side effects and nursing considerations

Answer 12

ECG changes - QT prolongation; effective with s/s of depression + schizophrenia; LOW LIKELIHOOD OF WEIGHT GAIN