Medications
A client taking lithium reports diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle weakness. What should the nurse suspect?
Lithium toxicity.
What a common/ expected effects of SSRI's during the early stages?
Nausea, Insomnia, and Headache
A client starting SSRIs should be taught that it may take this long to feel the full effect of the medication?
2–4 weeks
A client says, “I feel like no one understands me.” What is the nurse’s best response?
“What makes you feel that way?”
Your patient has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and believes that his thoughts are broadcast from his head. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis?
Disturbed thought processes.
This class of medications is commonly used to treat depression and includes drugs like sertraline and fluoxetine.
SSRI's
A client believes the TV is sending them special messages. This is an example of what?
Delusion
You need to assess whether a patient who has a mood disorder is ready for discharge. Which statement would indicate readiness for discharge?
I will take my medicines as I should and know to call the number you gave me if I have bad thoughts.
A patient laughs while describing a traumatic event. This is an example of this type of affect.
Affect Not Congruent with Mood
A client with depression says, “I don’t see the point in going on.” What is the nurse’s priority action?
Assess for suicidal ideation.
Give 3 food you should avoid with MAOI's
Aged Cheese
Red Wine
Cured/Smoked Meats
Your neighbor's husband comes to talk to you. He says his wife has not left the house in 2 weeks, has a flat mood, and has lost interest in her usual activities. You recognize these as the primary symptoms of
What is the priority nursing intervention to help orient a patient who has Alzheimer's disease?
C. Provide a daily routine and easy-to-read clocks.
What is False Imprisonment?
Give An Example in Psych of False Imprisonment
Restricting a patient’s freedom of movement without a legal or clinical justification.
A 16-year-old girl is admitted for her first psychotic break. Her parents feel very guilty. What is your best nursing response?
No one really knows the cause of schizophrenia. It is not your fault and is not due to anything you did in the past. It is important to understand this, to support your daughter, and to find support for yourselves.
A client on antipsychotics develops muscle rigidity, fever, and confusion. This is a medical emergency known as
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
A 21-year-old patient has a diagnosis of schizophrenia and is stuporous, yet exhibits sudden, excessive motor activity with repetitive sit-ups. What is this behavior called?
Catatonic
You are caring for a patient and pour out his evening risperidone (Risperdal) 2 mg tablet. The pill falls on the countertop. What is your next intervention?
Discard the pill and repour the medication.
A nurse in an emergency mental health facility is caring for a group of clients. The nurse should identify that which of the following clients requires a temporary emergency admission?
A client who has borderline personality disorder and assaulted a homeless man with a metal rod
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for phenelzine for the treatment of depression. Which of the following indicates that the client has developed an adverse effect of this medication?
Orthostatic hypotension
A patient taking SSRIs develops agitation, confusion, sweating, and tremors after starting a new medication. The nurse suspects
Serotonin Syndrome
A client with schizophrenia is started on haloperidol. Two days later, the client develops severe neck stiffness, upward deviation of the eyes, and difficulty speaking. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Administer benztropine (or diphenhydramine) for an acute dystonic reaction
A client taking benzodiazepines should be taught to avoid alcohol due to the risk of this serious complication?
Respiratory Depression
According to Maslow’s hierarchy, this need must be prioritized before addressing psychosocial concerns in psychiatric patients.
Safety or Psysiological Needs
A nurse is caring for a patient aking amitripyline. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates understanding?
I may feed drowsy for a few weeks after starting this medication