30 Questions
What are antipsychotic drugs primarily used to treat?
Symptoms of psychosis
What is the off-label use of antipsychotics?
Treatment of anxiety and insomnia
How do antipsychotic drugs work in the nervous system?
By blocking receptors for the neurotransmitter dopamine
Since when have antipsychotic drugs been in clinical use?
Since the 1950s
What is the primary medical treatment for schizophrenia?
Antipsychotic drugs
What is the effect of second-generation antipsychotics on elderly clients with dementia-related psychosis?
Can increase mortality rates
Which side effect is associated with atypical antipsychotics?
Increased risk of hyperglycemia and diabetes
What side effect is most significantly associated with clozapine and olanzapine?
Breast enlargement
What is a potential fatal side effect of clozapine?
Agranulocytosis
Which condition is diagnosed with the presence of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol?
Metabolic syndrome
What is recommended to help clients control weight and decrease BMI while taking antipsychotics?
Educational programs and community-based social support
Which antipsychotic drug has the potential side effect of lengthening the QT interval, leading to potentially life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias or cardiac arrest?
Droperidol
Which symptom is characteristic of akathisia?
Intense need to move about
What is a potential treatment for acute dystonic reactions?
Anticholinergic drugs like benztropine mesylate
What can worsen neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?
Dehydration
What is a characteristic of tardive dyskinesia (TD)?
Involuntary movements of the tongue, face, neck, and extremities
Which drugs are approved to treat TD by functioning as VMAT2 inhibitors?
Valbenazine and deutetrabenazine
How can tardive dyskinesia (TD) be prevented?
Keeping maintenance dosages low and monitoring for initial signs of TD
Which receptors are associated with mental illness?
D2, D3, and D4
What is the main difference in receptor blocking between conventional and atypical antipsychotic drugs?
Conventional drugs are potent antagonists of D2, D3, and D4, while atypical drugs are weak blockers of D2
What do second-generation antipsychotics inhibit to enhance their effectiveness in treating depressive aspects of schizophrenia?
Serotonin reuptake
Which antipsychotics are examples of newer second-generation antipsychotics?
Paliperidone, iloperidone, asenapine, and lurasidone
What do third-generation antipsychotics aim to do?
Stabilize dopamine output
Which antipsychotic drugs are available in depot injection form?
Fluphenazine, haloperidol, risperidone, paliperidone, and olanzapine pamoate
What is the recommended monitoring schedule for WBC and ANC after discontinuation of clozapine therapy?
Weekly monitoring for 4 weeks
How should clients on antipsychotic medication manage dry mouth as a side effect?
Drinking sugar-free fluids and eating sugar-free hard candy
What should clients do to prevent constipation while on antipsychotic medication?
Consume bulk-forming foods and avoid laxatives
Why is sunscreen use recommended for clients on antipsychotic medication?
To prevent photosensitivity caused by the medication
What is the purpose of antipsychotic medication in managing schizophrenia?
Manage symptoms but not cure schizophrenia
What is the difference between first-generation and second-generation antipsychotics?
First-generation are dopamine antagonists, while second-generation are both dopamine and serotonin antagonists
Study Notes
Antipsychotic Medications and Client Management
- Clozapine therapy requires weekly monitoring of WBC and ANC for 4 weeks after discontinuation due to the risk of agranulocytosis.
- Clients on antipsychotic medication should receive education on side effects and encouraged to report problems to the physician rather than discontinuing the medication.
- Methods for managing side effects of antipsychotic medications include drinking sugar-free fluids and eating sugar-free hard candy for dry mouth, and avoiding calorie-laden beverages and candy.
- Clients should be advised to prevent constipation by exercising, increasing water intake, and consuming bulk-forming foods, while avoiding laxatives.
- Sunscreen use is recommended due to photosensitivity caused by antipsychotic medication.
- Clients should monitor their level of sleepiness or drowsiness, avoid driving and potentially dangerous activities until they feel back to normal.
- Clients can take a missed dose of antipsychotic medication if it is only 3 or 4 hours late, but if it is more than 4 hours overdue, the client can omit the forgotten dose.
- Antipsychotic medications do not cure schizophrenia but are used to manage its symptoms.
- First-generation antipsychotics are dopamine antagonists, while second-generation antipsychotics are both dopamine and serotonin antagonists.
- Second-generation antipsychotics not only diminish positive symptoms but also lessen negative signs of schizophrenia.
- Six antipsychotics are available as long-acting injections for maintenance therapy, with varying durations of action and suitable for different client needs.
- The side effects of antipsychotic medications range from mild discomfort to permanent movement disorders and can be a significant reason for clients discontinuing or reducing their medication.
Test your knowledge of antipsychotic medications and client management with this quiz. Explore important considerations such as side effects, monitoring, and management strategies for clients on antipsychotic therapy.
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