Bipolar Disorder
This class of drugs is commonly used to treat manic episodes in bipolar disorder and requires regular monitoring of blood levels to prevent toxicity.
This positive symptom of schizophrenia involves hearing voices or other perceptions that are not present.
What are auditory hallucinations?
This common EPS involves involuntary, repetitive muscle contractions, leading to twisting or jerking movements, often affecting the neck and upper body.
What is Dystonia
This is the first-line pharmacological treatment for opioid use disorder, which helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
What is Methadone or Buprenorphine
This mood disorder involves chronic mood fluctuations with periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms that don’t meet full criteria for bipolar disorder or major depression.
What is cyclothymic disorder
A person experiencing a depressive episode in bipolar disorder may present with feelings of worthlessness, anhedonia, and disturbances in these two other areas.
What are sleep and appetite
The nurse should advise the patient with schizophrenia to avoid this type of substance, which can worsen symptoms and interfere with antipsychotic medication.
What is alcohol or recreational drugs
This type of EPS involves restlessness and an intense urge to move, often leading to pacing, shifting weight, and inability to sit still.
What is akathisia
This vitamin is administered to prevent Wernicke's Encephalopathy in patients with alcohol use disorder
What is Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
This long-acting benzodiazepine is often used to manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
What is chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
This is a common side effect of Lithium therapy that requires the nurse to educate the patient about maintaining adequate hydration.
What is dehydration or kidney dysfunction
A patient with schizophrenia may experience paranoia or delusions, and the nurse should maintain this approach to help the patient feel safe and understood during an episode.
What is a calm, non-confrontational approach, do not challenge delusions, gently redirect and reorient to reality.
What kinds of medications are typically used to treat EPS symptoms?
Antihistamines and Anticholinergics (Benadryl & Cogentin)
This medication reduces alcohol cravings and may help patients maintain abstinence.
naltrexone (ReVia, Vivitrol)
This psychiatric disorder features symptoms of schizophrenia along with mood disorder symptoms, such as depression or mania.
What is schizoaffective disorder
This is the most common sign of early lithium toxicity, which may occur at blood levels of 1.5 mEq/L or higher.
What is nausea or vomiting
In acute situations, this medication route is often used for fast-acting relief of severe agitation in patients with schizophrenia.
What is intramuscular (usually Antipsychotic with Benadryl and Benzodiazepine- B52)
A nurse should monitor for this life-threatening form of EPS in a patient on antipsychotics, which includes high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability.
What is Nueroleptic Malignant Syndrom (NMS)
This life-threatening condition can result from sudden alcohol cessation in someone with chronic alcohol use.
What is Delirium Tremens (DTs)
Usually 48–72 hours after the last drink, but can occur up to a week later in people with chronic alcohol use.
Key Symptoms:
Severe confusion (delirium), Agitation, Hallucinations (especially visual), Tremors, Seizures, High blood pressure, fast heart rate, Fever, sweating
Closely monitor, CIWA scale, Benzos, Seizure Precautions, Thiamine
Before starting this antipsychotic medication, patients must register with a national monitoring program due to its risk of severe side effects like agranulocytosis.
What is Clozapine
Clozapine is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic used for treatment-resistant schizophrenia—when other antipsychotics don’t work.
Key Risks: Agranulocytosis (dangerously low white blood cells) → Requires frequent CBC/ANC monitoring, Seizures (dose-dependent), Myocarditis, Metabolic syndrome (weight gain, glucose/lipid changes), Sedation and hypersalivation
The priority intervention for a patient experiencing a manic episode is to prevent harm to self or others, which includes this type of nursing intervention.
What is setting clear and firm limits or boundaries
The nurse knows that the best indicator of a positive response to treatment in a patient with schizophrenia is the reduction of this type of symptom.
What are "Positive Symptoms" (Hallucinations, Delusions)
This EPS involves an abnormal, involuntary movement of the tongue, lips, or face, often seen in patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy.
What is Tardive Dyskinesia
This drug is used to discourage alcohol use in patients with alcohol use disorder by causing an unpleasant reaction (nausea, vomiting) if alcohol is consumed.
What is Disulfiram (Antabuse)
This psychiatric disorder is characterized by the presence of one or more non-bizarre delusions lasting at least one month, with otherwise normal functioning and no major hallucinations or disorganized speech.
What is delusional disorder