Exam 3 Flashcards
Used to treat depression (treatment resistant)
MAOIs
Used to treat depression and anxiety disorders
Tricyclics, SSRIs, SNRIs
Used to treat insomnia
Benzodiazepines, Non benzodiazepine hypnotics
Used to treat schizophrenia, manic episodes, aggression
Typical antipsychotics
Used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, Tourette’s syndrome, autism
Atypical antipsychotics
Used to treat narcolepsy, ADHD
CNS stimulants
A rare but potentially life threatening condition characterized by a severe reduction in WBCs. Early signs include fever, sore throat, and mouth sores.
Agranulocytosis, caused by clozapine
Monitor complete blood count with differential regularly, obtain baseline CBC before starting medication, assess for signs of infection. If the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is less than 1500/mm3 or if patient shows signs of agranulocytosis, discontinue medication and notify provider immediately.
Nursing interventions for agranulocytosis
A group of movement disorders that can occur as side effects of antipsychotics medications, especially the typical high potency ones such as haloperidol. Early symptoms include restlessness, muscle rigidity, and tremors. Acute dystonia is a rapid onset of muscle spams. Akathisia is a feeling of inner restlessness. Parkinsonism is a set of symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease.
EPS, caused by antipsychotic medications
Assess for early symptoms, monitor vitals and respiratory status, administer anticholinergic medications or benzodiazepines as ordered, and implement fall precautions.
Nursing interventions for extrapyramidal symptoms
A movement disorder that can occur as a side effect of long term use of antipsychotic medications, especially the typical high potency ones such as haloperidol. Early symptoms include involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, and jaw, and may progress to involve the limbs and trunk.
Tardive dyskinesia, caused by long term use of antipsychotic medications
Assess for early symptoms using the AIMS, monitor vitals and respiratory status, evaluate medication regimens regularly, and consider switching to a lower potency antipsychotic medication or discontinuing the medication if this develops.
Nursing interventions for tardive dyskinesia
A rare but serious adverse drug reaction that can be caused by several classes of psychotropic medications. Early signs include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, and jaundice.
Hepatotoxicity, caused by mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines
Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) regularly, obtain baseline LFTs before starting medication, educate patients about the signs and symptoms, advise patients to avoid alcohol and other medications that damage this organ, and report any symptoms to the healthcare provider immediately.
Nursing interventions for hepatotoxicity
A rare but potentially life threatening condition that can occur as a side effect of antipsychotic medications, especially the typical high potency ones such as haloperidol. Early symptoms include fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and tachycardia.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, caused by antipsychotic medications
Discontinue the medication, monitor vital signs and respiratory status, implement cooling measures, administer muscle relaxants, anticholinergics, and benzodiazepines as ordered, and provide emotional support and reassurance.
Nursing interventions for neuroleptic malignant syndrome
A rare but potentially life threatening condition that can be caused by several classes of psychotropic medications. Early symptoms include agitation, confusion, tachycardia, hyperthermia, diaphoresis, myoclonus, and shivering.
Serotonin syndrome, caused by antidepressants, atypical antipsychotics, certain opioids (tramadol and meperidine), and migraine medications (triptans)
Discontinue the medication, monitor vitals and respiratory status, implement cooling measures, administer serotonin blocking medications, benzodiazepines, and supportive measures as ordered, educate patients about the importance of not taking multiple serotonergic medications or supplements, and monitor patients for at least 24 hrs after discontinuing serotonergic medications.
Nursing interventions for serotonin syndrome
A rare but potentially life threatening skin reaction that can be caused by anticonvulsant medications such as lamotrigine. Early symptoms include flu like symptoms, rash, blistering, and mucous membrane involvement.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, caused by mood stabilizers (lamotrigine and carbamazepine)
Obtain baseline skin assessment and eye exams before starting the medication, monitor patients for signs and symptoms of rash and blistering, educate patients about the signs and symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and discontinue the medication and notify the provider immediately if symptoms occur.
Nursing interventions for Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Tyramine sensitivity and hypertensive crisis from consuming foods that contain tyramine. Should avoid other antidepressants, over the counter cold medications, triptans, and meperidine. Causes serotonin syndrome and orthostatic hypotension.
MAOIs
Anticholinergic effects, cardiotoxicity, lethal overdose, and orthostatic hypotension.
Tricyclics
Sexual dysfunction, suicidality, serotonin syndrome, slow metabolism, stomach troubles, sodium levels decrease
SSRIs
Discontinuation syndrome, serotonin syndrome, hypertension
SNRIs
Dependence, withdrawal, sedation, drug interactions with other CNS depressants, opioids, alcohol
Benzodiazepines
Dependence, sedation, drug interactions with other CNS depressants
Non benzodiazepine hypnotics
Symptoms of toxicity include sedation and slurred speech, coarse hand tremors, ataxia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Levels should never be greater than 1.5 mEq/L.
Lithium
