Chapter 6: Biopsychosocial and Pharmacological Assessment

Question 1

What is the purpose of a biopsychosocial assessment?

Answer 1

To evaluate the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing a patient’s health and behavior.

Question 2

What does a Review of Systems (ROS) involve in a physical exam?

Answer 2

A systematic review of each body system to identify any symptoms or abnormalities.

Question 3

Why is a comprehensive medical history important in psychopharmacological assessment?

Answer 3

It helps identify conditions or medications that may affect mental health or interact with psychotropic drugs.

Question 4

What is therapeutic drug monitoring?

Answer 4

The measurement of drug levels in the blood to ensure efficacy and avoid toxicity.

Question 5

What is the significance of CYP450 enzymes in drug metabolism?

Answer 5

These liver enzymes metabolize most drugs, and variations can affect drug efficacy and risk of side effects.

Question 6

How are drug-drug interactions assessed in pharmacological monitoring?

Answer 6

By reviewing the patient’s medication regimen for potential interactions that could alter drug effectiveness or safety.

Question 7

What is the importance of monitoring vital signs during psychotropic medication use?

Answer 7

Vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate can reveal adverse effects of medications.

Question 8

How is a mental status exam (MSE) used in assessment?

Answer 8

To evaluate a patient’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.

Question 9

What are common side effects monitored for with antidepressants?

Answer 9

Nausea, weight changes, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction.

Question 10

What is a cranial nerve exam, and why is it important in biopsychosocial assessments?

Answer 10

It assesses the function of cranial nerves, which can indicate neurological conditions affecting mental health.

Question 11

How does the length of drug detection vary in urine testing?

Answer 11

Different substances have specific timeframes for detection, depending on their half-lives and metabolism.

Question 12

What is the role of the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) in psychopharmacology?

Answer 12

It measures electrolytes, kidney function, and glucose levels to identify metabolic effects of psychotropic drugs.

Question 13

Why are comprehensive metabolic panels (CMPs) often used in monitoring psychotropic medications?

Answer 13

To assess liver function and other metabolic processes that could be affected by medication use.

Question 14

What is the purpose of an informed consent process in psychopharmacological treatment?

Answer 14

To ensure patients understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives to medication.

Question 15

What are some key physical signs of adverse drug reactions?

Answer 15

Rash, jaundice, abnormal heart rhythms, and gastrointestinal distress.

Question 16

Why is weight monitoring important when prescribing antipsychotics?

Answer 16

Some antipsychotics are associated with significant weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

Question 17

What is the importance of documenting medication adherence in treatment?

Answer 17

Non-adherence can lead to treatment failure, relapse, or misinterpretation of medication efficacy.

Question 18

How are risk factors for overdose assessed in pharmacological monitoring?

Answer 18

By evaluating the patient’s history, current medication regimen, and potential for misuse.

Question 19

What is the role of family history in pharmacological assessment?

Answer 19

It helps identify genetic predispositions to mental health conditions or drug responses.

Question 20

Why are blood tests critical in lithium monitoring?

Answer 20

To ensure therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity, which can cause serious side effects like kidney damage.

Question 21

What are ‘critical drug values,’ and why are they significant in overdose situations?

Answer 21

They are drug concentration thresholds that indicate potentially life-threatening toxicity.

Question 22

What is the purpose of neuroimaging in pharmacological assessment?

Answer 22

To detect structural or functional brain abnormalities that may influence treatment decisions.

Question 23

Why is a psychosocial evaluation important before prescribing psychotropics?

Answer 23

It identifies environmental, interpersonal, and psychological factors that may affect treatment outcomes.

Question 24

How can patient education improve pharmacological treatment adherence?

Answer 24

By ensuring patients understand the importance of taking medications as prescribed and managing side effects.