A combat veteran diagnosed with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) will begin pharmacologic therapies that include psychotropic medication. What information should the nurse provide? Select all that apply

Question

a. "We will monitor you closely for how each medication affects you."
b. "Medications can be expected to dramatically improve your symptoms."
c. "Please be patient as your health care provider identifies the best drugs for your problems."
d. "The blood levels of most medications you take will need to be checked with laboratory testing."
e. "Be prepared for frequent dose changes as your health care provider adjusts the dose to meet your needs."

Answer 1

A, C, E
Patients with TBIs are frequently overly sensitive to psychotropic medications, so close monitoring is important. However, TBI can also create drug resistance. As a consequence of both dynamics, medication adjustments are frequent and frustrating for the patient. Very few of the medications need serum monitoring; it would be misleading to say "most" do. It's important not to make promises related to how effective the drugs may or may not be.