(SEROTONIN SYNDROME INCLUDED)
Maslow’s top priority in psychiatric nursing
SAFETY
Medication class with highest risk for dependence in anxiety treatment
Benzodiazepines
Most serious risk in major depressive disorder
SUICIDE
Sudden onset of intense fear with physical symptoms
Panic attack
Unwanted, intrusive thoughts that cause anxiety
OBSESSIONS
Priority nursing action for a client expressing suicidal ideation
Ensure immediate safety
Why suicide risk increases as depression begins to improve
Energy returns before mood improves
First nursing action during a panic attack
Assess vital signs
Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety
COMPULSIONS
Life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonin
Serotonin syndrome
Most therapeutic nursing intervention for depression
Offering self
Common physical symptom of panic related to fight-or-flight
Restlessness
Primary goal of compulsive behavior
REDUCE ANXIETY
Classic signs of serotonin syndrome
Hyperthermia, agitation, tremor, diaphoresis
Why reassurance is more effective than teaching during panic
Client cannot process new information
Most appropriate nursing response to a client performing rituals
Do not interrupt rituals abruptly
What the nurse should do FIRST if serotonin syndrome is suspected
Stop serotonergic medications and notify provider
Why clients with OCD continue rituals despite knowing they are irrational
Rituals temporarily relieve anxiety