Antidepressants
A patient is prescribed sertraline (Zoloft). What class of medication is this?
SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)
Which medication is considered a typical antipsychotic?
Haldol (Haloperidol)
What is the prototype drug for Benzodiazepines?
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention are examples of what type of side effect?
Anticholinergic effects
What psychotherapy focuses on changing unhealthy thought patterns?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
A patient asks when their antidepressant will start working. What should the nurse teach?
It usually takes 2–4 weeks (or several weeks) before the full effects are noticed.
Antipsychotic medications primarily help reduce what type of schizophrenia symptoms?
Positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, paranoia)
What are two common side effects of lorazepam?
Drowsiness and fatigue
A patient taking an antidepressant reports thoughts of self-harm. What should the nurse do?
Notify the provider immediately and assess for safety.
ECT is primarily used to treat what condition?
Severe depression
A patient taking sertraline says, "I feel better, so I stopped taking it yesterday." What teaching is most appropriate?
Do not stop antidepressants abruptly; talk with your provider before stopping.
A patient taking Haldol develops lip smacking and repetitive tongue movements. What adverse effect is occurring?
Tardive dyskinesia
What should the patient avoid while taking Anti-anxiety medicine?
Do not drink alcohol while taking benzodiazepines.
A patient develops agitation, sweating, fever, tremors, and confusion after starting an SSRI. What condition is suspected?
Serotonin syndrome
ECT intentionally causes what physiologic event?
A controlled seizure
A patient taking sertraline also begins taking St. John's Wort. Which life-threatening complication should the nurse monitor for?
Serotonin syndrome
What is the nurse's priority action when extrapyramidal symptoms are first observe
Notify the provider immediately so the medication can be changed.
Why should benzodiazepines never be stopped suddenly?
Withdrawal can cause seizures.
A patient taking Haldol develops a high fever, severe muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. What emergency is occurring?
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
A patient on an inpatient psychiatric unit is becoming increasingly anxious. Name one nursing intervention that promotes a therapeutic milieu.
A patient taking an MAOI wants pizza with pepperoni and extra aged cheese. What should the nurse teach?
Avoid tyramine-rich foods because they can cause a hypertensive crisis.
A patient taking clozapine will require what extra step? Why?
Weekly blood draws because of risk of agranulocytosis
A patient taking lorazepam is found difficult to arouse after drinking alcohol. Which complication is the priority concern?
Respiratory depression
A client taking haloperidol (Haldol) develops involuntary lip smacking, tongue movements, and facial grimacing. Which adverse effect should the nurse suspect?
Tardive dyskinesia
Which psychiatric medication requires weekly blood draws because of the risk of agranulocytosis?
Clozapine