30 Questions
What is the primary action taken to control symptoms in a patient exhibiting impaired communication, delusions, and hallucinations?
Blocking the activity of dopamine in the brain
Which of the following occurs when there is an excessive amount of dopamine in the brain?
Causes strange thoughts and hallucinations
What is a common side effect related to anticholinergic effects when providing symptomatic control to a patient?
Blurred vision
How should a nurse address constipation in a patient undergoing treatment for psychotic symptoms?
Order foods high in fiber and encourage increased physical activity
What intervention should a nurse suggest for a patient experiencing urinary retention as a side effect of treatment?
Monitor intake and output closely
How can a nurse help alleviate nausea and gastrointestinal upset in a patient receiving symptomatic treatment?
Administer tablets or capsules with food to minimize GI upset
What is the most common side effect associated with antihistamines and benzodiazepines?
Drowsiness
Which drug is not associated with tolerance and physical or psychological dependence among the listed medications?
Buspirone
What is a crucial nursing implication related to long-term therapy with antihistamines and benzodiazepines?
Educate the client about the potential for dangerous machinery operation
Which symptom should a nurse immediately report to the physician when observing a client on antihistamines and benzodiazepines?
Easy bruising
What should a nurse instruct a client to do in order to manage orthostatic hypotension caused by antihistamines and benzodiazepines?
Lie down immediately if feeling dizzy
What should a nurse inform a client about regarding the onset of therapy with buspirone and subsiding of anxiety symptoms?
There is a lag time of 10 to 14 days between therapy onset and symptom improvement
What should individuals avoid when taking sedative-hypnotic agents to prevent decreased effectiveness?
Consuming large amounts of beverages containing caffeine
What symptoms should be reported to healthcare professionals when taking these agents?
Fever, sore throat, easy bruising, and skin rash
What can happen if these agents are suddenly stopped?
Rapid eye movement (REM) or rebound with insomnia and other symptoms
Which classification do drugs like Amitriptyline and Imipramine fall under?
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCA’s)
What is the main function of tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline?
Increase neurotransmitters serotonin or norepinephrine levels
Why is it recommended to avoid excessive use of tricyclic antidepressants?
To prevent the onset of substance abuse or addiction
What are the typical symptoms at serum levels of 1.5 to 2.0 meq/L of lithium?
Blurred vision, ataxia, tinnitus, persistent nausea and vomiting, severe diarrhea
Why is lithium considered the treatment of choice for the manic phase of bipolar disorder?
It balances neurotransmitter activity in the brain controlling emotions.
How is lithium excreted from the body?
By kidneys after reabsorption in the renal tubules
What is the purpose of maintaining a constant sodium concentration in the brain with lithium treatment?
To regulate impulses along nerve cells and mood swings
Why is it important to monitor blood pressure and pulse during lithium treatment?
To detect hypotension, hypertension, and irregular heart rates
At what therapeutic serum concentration range is lithium considered suitable for maintenance therapy?
0.6 to 1.2 meq/L
What is the prevalence of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
0.1%-1%
Which age group is more susceptible to developing Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
Persons under 20 and over 60 years of age
What is the recommended course of action for treating Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
Discontinue antipsychotic agent and administer skeletal muscle relaxant or dopamine receptor agonist
What should nurses evaluate in patients before therapy for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
Blood pressure, CBC, Liver function test, vision test
When is it recommended to give oral neuroleptics to aid sleep?
Within 1 or 2 hours of bedtime
What precaution should be taken while preparing concentrated solutions of medications?
Avoid contact with concentrated solutions to prevent skin irritation
Understand symptoms of impaired communication, delusions, hallucinations, and lack of responsiveness in individuals with psychosis. Learn how blocking dopamine activity can help control these symptoms by regulating nerve impulses in the brain.
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