Take a Chill Pill
Name two medications that fall under Barbiturates.
What is pentobarbital and phenobarbital? (Butalbital, Methohexital)
What is the priority risk that should be monitored in clients starting to take antidepressants?
What is suicide?
A client taking an antipsychotic reports a sore throat and fever. What should the nurse suspect?
What is agranulocytosis?
Which serious concern should the nurse discuss with clients of childbearing age who are prescribed valproic acid or carbamazepine?
What is the risk of neural tube defects or teratogenic effects during pregnancy?
A client with a history of uncontrolled hypertension is choosing an over-the-counter cold remedy. Which ingredient should prompt the nurse to intervene, and why?
What is pseudoephedrine, which can increase blood pressure and cause hypertensive crisis?
This non-sedating anxiolytic must be taken daily, takes several weeks to work, and has no risk of dependence.
What is buspirone?
Name two types of TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) and explain why they are not first-line in treatment for depression.
What is Amtriptyline and Notriptyline are not first-line due to the many side effects and lethal cardiac toxicity in overdose?
A client on long-term antipsychotic therapy suddenly develops fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability. What is the likely diagnosis?
What is neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)?
A pre-op client taking daily carbamazepine is made NPO. The order says “hold all oral meds.” What’s the nurse’s best action?
What is clarify the order, since sudden interruption of seizure meds increases risk of perioperative seizures?
What is alendronate used to treat? What are two key points to teach to a client taking this medication?
What is osteoporosis? What is to take with a full glass of water and remain upright for 30 minutes after taking to prevent esophagitis?
The nurse should teach clients taking CNS depressants like benzodiazepines to avoid what types of activities and why?
What are activities requiring alertness (e.g., driving), due to sedation and slowed reflexes?
What patient education can you give to a client on SSRIs who is experiencing sleep disturbances?
What is advise to take medication in the morning if they're experiencing insomnia, or take it at bedtime if they're reporting drowsiness/sedation.
A client taking an antipsychotic begins showing repetitive lip smacking and involuntary tongue movements. What should the nurse do?
What is report the symptoms as possible tardive dyskinesia and request medication reassessment/discontinuation?
A client taking an antiepileptic presents with bleeding gums and overgrowth of gum tissue. What medication is likely involved, and what should be taught?
What is phenytoin, and the nurse should teach good oral hygiene with soft-bristled brushes and regular dental visits?
A client on a new diabetes med reports bloating, flatulence, and abdominal discomfort after meals. What type of medication could be causing this, and what can be done to prevent this?
What is acrabose and reinforcing to take medication with the first bite of meal?
This class of sleep aids should be taken at bedtime and may cause complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep driving. (You can name two types of drugs if that's easier)
What are Z-hypnotics (e.g., zolpidem, eszopiclone)?
A client treated for depression develops seizures after being prescribed medication for smoking cessation. Which medication is the likely cause?
What is bupropion?
What are the four types of EPS (extrapyramidal symptoms)?
What is Akathisia, Dystonia, Pseudo-parkinsonism, and Tardive dyskinesia?
A client being treated for bipolar disorder is newly started on an Lamotrigine. Within days, they report flu-like symptoms and develop a diffuse rash. What is the nurse’s immediate concern?
What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome?
Which type of Non-biologic DMARD requires annual eye exams?
What is hydroxychloroquine?
Name four medical problems that Benzodiazepines help treat.
What is acute anxiety, insomnia, seizure disorders, and alcohol withdrawal?
What is required when switching between an MAOI and another antidepressant and why?
What is a washout period of 2 weeks or more due to the high risk of serotonin syndrome?
Which type of antipsychotic class is less likely to cause EPS and NMS? List three medications under this drug class.
What is Atypical (2nd generation) antipsychotics: Olanzapine, Clozapine, Risperidone (Acceptable alts-- Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, and Ziprasidone)
What are the three hematologic effects that should be monitored for a client taking Carbamazepine?
What is Anemia, Leukopenia, and Thromobocytopenia?
A client on raloxifene reports no concerning symptoms but presents for routine labs. What complication should the nurse assess for, even in the absence of pain and why?
What is a risk for thromboembolism, as raloxifene increases clot risk even without symptoms?