The nurse is preparing an educational program regarding the appropriate use of antipsychotic medications in older clients. What information should the nurse include?

Question

1. Fidgeting is an appropriate indication for the use of antipsychotic medications.
2. Use of antipsychotic medications would never be considered a chemical restraint.
3. People prescribed antipsychotic drugs must have efforts to discontinue these drugs.
4. Impaired memory is an appropriate indication for the use of antipsychotic medications.

Answer 1

3. People prescribed antipsychotic drugs must have efforts to discontinue these drugs.

Explanation: 1. Fidgeting is not a sole indication for the use of antipsychotic medications.
2. Antipsychotic medications could be considered as a chemical restraint.
3. There are many federal and state regulations regarding appropriate medication use in long-term care facilities. One such regulation states that residents who use antipsychotic drugs must receive gradual dose reductions, drug holidays, or behavioral programming unless clinically contraindicated, in an effort to discontinue the use of these drugs.
4. Impaired memory is not a sole indication for the use of antipsychotic medications.