Biological basis
This part of the brain controls emotions.
What is the limbic system?
An individual embarking on complex tasks such as writing a novel despite lack of experience or talent, and speaking highly about their actions is an example of this.
What is grandiosity?
This anticonvulsant is an alternative to lithium therapy.
What is Valproic acid (Depakote)?
This is a troublesome side effect of lithium but does not warrant discontinuation or trial of another agent.
What is weight gain?
Nurses would help patients to make healthy food choices such as limiting sugary drinks and exercising regularly to combat the metabolic side effects. Weight gain would not warrant discontinuing the drug.
Obsessions are controlled by this class of medications.
What are SSRIs?
This part of the nervous system plays a key role in fight-or-flight situations.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
During stressful situations, the SNS initiates physiological responses such as dilating pupils, increasing respiratory rate, increasing heart rate, while decreasing nonessential functions. The SNS response allows us to mobilize resources, preparing organs to meet high energy demands. While these stress responses are primarily adaptive, prolonged or over activation of the stress systems affects physical and mental health.
A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least 1 week and present most of the day, nearly every day is considered this type of episode. During this period, there are three or more of the following (increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, more talkative, flight of ideas, etc.)
What is a manic episode?
This class of drugs may be given during mania.
What are antipsychotics?
(Review Allie case study)
Daily double
This effect of this drug when consumed with alcohol is increased and can lead to respiratory depression, coma, or death.
There is an increase in thyroid hormones and increased norepinephrine in these two disorders.
What are bipolar disorder and panic disorder?
This neurotransmitter is increased in psychotic states.
What is dopamine?
A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and increased activity or energy, lasting at least 4 consecutive days and present most of the day, nearly every day. Symptoms do not significantly impact daily functioning.
A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and increased activity or energy, lasting at least 4 consecutive days and present most of the day, nearly every day. Symptoms do not significantly impact daily functioning.
This drug class can cause abnormal movements, including dystonias (muscle spasms) that can be life-threatening.
What are antipsychotics?
Of note, second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have less potential for EPS symptoms.
This is the first line treatment for children with bipolar disorder.
What are second generation antipsychotics?
SSRIs can cause this side effect when give to elderly patients.
What is hyponatremia?
This neuroendocrine hormone is elevated in depression.
What is prolactin?
Prolactin is mainly involved in reproductive functions. Serum levels normally increase during pregnancy but interestingly, also during depression, anxiety, and stress.
These are predisposing factors in the development of manic episodes?
What are medications, stimulants, increased glutamate levels, and right-sided reduction in brain activity?
This medication could be given if the patient develops a drug-induced movement disorder.
What is an antiparkinsonian agent, such as benztropine (Cogentin)?
This is the rationale for why MAOIs cannot be taken with SSRIs.
What is a hypertensive crisis can result?
A patient takes propranolol for hypertension and also antipsychotics for schizophrenia. The nurse would teach the patient to do this when changing positions.
What is change positions slowly?
This hormone is increased in anorexia nervosa.
What is growth hormone?
This is an adaptive response to caloric deprivation as the body seeks to obtain energy.
This symptom of mania would warrant the nurse to offer food and fluid at frequent intervals.
What is excessive motor activity?
The patient experiencing mania may not be able to sit down for a full meal so the nurse should maintain the patient's nutritional status.
These medications can be given for anxiety disorders, but should not be used long term.
What are benzodiazepines?
Benzos are also used for alcohol withdrawal.
Bonus question: name a benzo?
This potentially fatal blood disorder can occur when taking this drug class.
What is agranulocytosis from antipsychotics?
Bonus question: Which antipsychotic is referenced to cause this more than any other antipsychotic?
A patient is taking an antipsychotic and experiences "EPS symptoms." These are examples of EPS symptoms.
What are tremors and a shuffling gait?