Neurologic & Mental Health Medications
This class of medications, including Diazepam and Lorazepam, is commonly used to treat anxiety, seizures, and insomnia by enhancing the effects of GABA in the brain.
What are benzodiazepines?
"Older adults are at an increased risk for falls when prescribed opioids due to this effect on the central nervous system."
What is CNS depression?
To assess the effectiveness of Heparin therapy, a nurse should monitor this lab value.
What is aPTT?
✔Nausea & GI upset (take with food if needed)
✔ Insomnia or drowsiness (take in the morning if it causes wakefulness)
✔ Weight loss or gain (varies by patient)
✔ Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction)
✔ Headache, dizziness, sweating
Are all side effects of this class of medication
What are SSRI's?
Before administering hydromorphone, the nurse should assess for this potentially life-threatening side effect
What is respiratory depression?
Patients taking Warfarin should avoid excessive intake of this type of food, as it can decrease the drug’s effectiveness.
What are food high in Vitamin K?
This SSRI is used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and PTSD. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional stability.
What is Sertraline?
The nurse should always have this med close by when administering opiods
What is Narcan?
A patient taking Rivaroxaban should be monitored for this serious adverse effect, which includes symptoms like bruising and black, tarry stools.
What is bleeding?
A client begins lip smacking, having tremors, and involuntary muscle movements. The nurse recognizes this as..
What are extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including tardive dyskinesia and dystonia?
Prolonged use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen increases the risk of these three major complications.
What are GI irritation, bleeding, and kidney damage?
When administering subcutaneous heparin, the nurse should follow this best practice to ensure proper absorption and reduce complications
Inject the medication into the abdomen at least 2 inches from the umbilicus