11 Psychopharmacology in Nursing Practice Free Online FlashCards

What factors guide individualized psychotropic treatment?

Consider symptoms, history, age, physical health, preferences, pregnancy potential, and previous medication response.

Why screen for bipolar disorder before antidepressant treatment?

Screen for and report a history suggesting bipolar disorder before antidepressant treatment, because antidepressants may trigger mania in some people with bipolar disorder.

When should medication reconciliation occur?

Reconcile prescription, nonprescription, herbal, and supplement use at admission, transfer, and discharge; clarify discrepancies with the prescriber.

What should nurses assess during antidepressant treatment?

Assess mood, sleep, activation, adherence, and suicidal thoughts, especially when treatment starts or the dose changes.

Why report involuntary movements during antipsychotic treatment?

Report involuntary movements. Tardive dyskinesia can become persistent.

What monitoring is important during lithium treatment?

Monitor prescribed serum levels and renal, thyroid, and electrolyte status. Reassess levels as directed after dose or interacting-medication changes, illness, or major changes in physical activity.

When is a lithium level generally drawn?

It is generally drawn immediately before the next dose, about 12 hours after the previous dose, following the prescription and laboratory protocol.

Which symptoms may signal lithium toxicity?

Promptly assess and notify the prescriber about new or worsening tremor, unsteady gait, confusion, vomiting, or diarrhea, particularly with dehydration or acute illness.

What are key nursing considerations for valproate?

Monitor liver tests and watch for symptoms of liver injury. Discuss pregnancy-related risks with the prescriber.

What should nurses assess with anxiolytics and sedative-hypnotics?

Assess sedation, alertness, falls risk, and breathing when clinically relevant; check for other sedating substances or medications.

Did removal of the Clozapine REMS end ANC monitoring?

The FDA removed the Clozapine REMS effective June 13, 2025, but clinically recommended absolute neutrophil count monitoring remains necessary.

How can nurses use teach-back for medication education?

Use plain language, invite questions, and ask the patient to explain the information in their own words to check understanding.