Describe the general instructions for administering antipsychotics.
What will be an ideal response?
Answers will vary.
• Medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, liver damage, and Parkinson's disease contraindicate the use of these drugs.
• Antipsychotics should be used cautiously with diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, peptic ulcer disease, prostatic hypertrophy, and chronic respiratory disorders.
• Use the lowest possible dose.
• Antipsychotics may be used with dementia to relieve symptoms, but they do not improve memory loss.
• There is a black-box warning with atypical antipsychotics, or second-generation antipsychotics, because of increased risk of cardiovascular disorders or infections.
• Avoid excessive use in long-term care facilities to control agitation.
• Excessive use of antipsychotics increases the risk of side effects.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is explaining the importance of hand washing after using the toilet to parents of young children. Which is the most important reason for this practice?
1. Children's immune systems are not fully developed. 2. Hand washing is the main way to limit the transmission of disease. 3. Not all bathrooms are clean. 4. Children do not like to have dirty hands.
A physician documents that a patient is having purulent drainage from a wound. What does the nurse understand is most likely the cause?
a. Ringworm b. Viral infection c. Fungal infection d. Bacterial infection
A nurse visits a 60-year-old diabetic client in his home after the client's above-the-knee amputation of his left leg. The client appears disheveled and with poor hygiene
He also avoids making eye contact with the nurse. Which of the following is likely to occur as a result of the client's reduced self-esteem? A) Lethargy B) Withdrawal C) Self-care deficit D) Lack of interest
When the stomach is irritated, peristalsis may take place in the opposite direction, and ________ will probably result.
Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).