Psychopharmacology
This amino acid neurotransmitter, when enhanced by benzodiazepines, has a calming effect.
What is GABA?
This is the number one priority nursing intervention for a patient with Major Depressive Disorder.
What is suicide risk assessment?
72 hours after their last drink, a client with a history of heavy alcohol use becomes profoundly confused, agitated, and is experiencing visual hallucinations of "bugs crawling on the walls."
What is Delirium Tremens (DTs)?
This is the priority nursing diagnosis for a patient with fluctuating LOC and tactile hallucinations
What is Risk for Injury?
This defense mechanism involves justifying one's behavior with logical-sounding but false reasons.
What is Rationalization?
This class of antidepressant works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin.
What are SSRIs? (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
This first-line mood stabilizer for acute mania requires regular blood level monitoring
What is Lithium?
When a patient's arm remains in any position it is placed, you document this symptom.
What is waxy flexibility (or catalepsy)?
For a suicidal, homeless patient with serious mental illness, the priority is meeting these types of needs.
What are physiological (or basic) needs? (per Maslow)
Unlike defense mechanisms, these are conscious and purposeful processes used to manage stress.
What are Coping Mechanisms?
The FDA requires monitoring for increased suicidal ideation in this age group taking SSRIs.
Who are children, adolescents, and young adults?
A patient who states, "I am the most important investor in the world," is exhibiting this.
What is grandiosity?
ThA client reports that they sometimes feel as if they are floating above their own body, watching themselves as if in a movie, and that the world around them seems foggy and unreal.
What is Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder?
A client with a history of depression has not showered, changed clothes, or left their apartment for two weeks. They tell you, "There's just no reason to. I'm a failure and everything is hopeless."
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
A client arrives at the ER reporting chest pain, hyperventilation, and headaches. All cardiac and pulmonary tests are normal. They tell you, "I just can't stop worrying about my health and these symptoms. It's been like this for over a year."
What is Somatic Symptom Disorder?
A client rhythmically sticking out their tongue on antipsychotics is showing signs of this.
What is Tardive Dyskinesia?
For a patient in a manic episode, you should provide a low-___________ environment.
What is stimulation?
Stopping mid-sentence to listen to an internal stimulus suggests this positive symptom.
What is a hallucination?
Taking one day at a time" is realistic advice for a patient discharging after this process.
What is chemical detoxification? (or substance abuse treatment)
A client is preoccupied with the fear of having a brain tumor. They have seen multiple neurologists, and despite all MRI scans being clear and repeated reassurance, they are convinced the doctors have missed something.
What is Illness Anxiety Disorder? (formerly Hypochondriasis)
A common side effect of ECT that must be included in patient teaching.
What is temporary memory loss?
During a severe manic episode, this body system is at highest risk for decompensation.
What is the cardiovascular system?
A client on Haldol for 3 weeks begins to pace the unit incessantly, stating, "I just can't sit still, I feel so restless inside." They are constantly rocking back and forth when forced to sit.
What is Akathisia? (an Extrapyramidal Side Effect - EPS)
A client with Schizophrenia sits in the dayroom, making no eye contact and showing little facial expression. When you encourage them to join a group activity, they say, "What's the point?" and remain seated.
What are Negative Symptoms (specifically Avolition and Blunt Affect)?
A client is found to have multiple surgical scars. They provide a detailed and dramatic medical history, but the nursing staff observes them secretly injecting a substance to induce a fever before the doctor's rounds.
What is Factitious Disorder?