Medications For Psychotic Disoders

Positive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the presence of abnormal behaviors or experiences that are not typically seen in healthy individuals. Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking are all examples of positive symptoms. Hallucinations are sensory experiences that are not based in reality, such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. Delusions are false beliefs that are not based in reality, such as believing that one is being followed or that one has special powers. Disorganized thinking refers to difficulties in organizing thoughts and expressing them coherently. These symptoms are characteristic of schizophrenia and are considered positive symptoms because they represent an excess or distortion of normal functioning.

The client's symptoms of holding the head to one side and complaining of neck and jaw spasms are indicative of dystonia, which is a possible adverse reaction to haloperidol. Therefore, the nurse should evaluate the client for adverse reactions to haloperidol. This is important to ensure the client's safety and to determine if any interventions or adjustments to the medication are needed.

The patient's dizziness when standing up is likely a side effect of chlorpromazine, which can cause orthostatic hypotension. Orthostatic hypotension is a drop in blood pressure that occurs when standing up from a sitting or lying position. To prevent dizziness and falls, the nurse would teach the patient to sit or lie down and stand up slowly, allowing their body time to adjust to the change in position.

TD is characterized by uncontrollable involuntary movements of the body (especially of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, arms, and legs)

These agents have a known side effect of weight gain.

Risperidone can cause orthostatic hypotension.

Agranulocytosis may be experienced by the client taking clozapine.

The correct answer is Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS). AIMS is a test used to screen for the presence of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), which are movement disorders caused by certain medications. This test assesses the presence and severity of abnormal movements, such as tremors, rigidity, and dyskinesias. By administering the AIMS, healthcare professionals can determine if EPS is present and adjust the medication regimen accordingly. The Snellen chart is used to assess visual acuity, vagus nerve stimulation is a treatment for epilepsy and depression, and physical assessment is a general term for evaluating a patient's overall health.

The nurse instructs the client to return for weekly WBC counts to assess for agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a potentially life-threatening adverse reaction associated with clozapine therapy. It is characterized by a severe decrease in white blood cells (WBCs), specifically granulocytes, which are important for fighting off infections. Monitoring WBC counts is important to detect agranulocytosis early and prevent serious complications such as infections.

Haloperidol can cause photosensitivity and precipitate severe sunburn

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, and other body parts. It is a common extrapyramidal symptom that can occur as a side effect of long-term use of antipsychotic medications, especially typical antipsychotics. The garbled speech in this client is a result of the rhythmic tongue protrusion caused by tardive dyskinesia.

The initial response may be seen 1-2 days after initiation of treatment, it takes 6-8 weeks to see a full therapeutic response.

Sugarless candy or gum and sipping on water are both effective ways to manage the psychopharmacologic side effect of dry mouth. Sugarless candy or gum stimulates saliva production, providing relief from dry mouth. Sipping on water helps to keep the mouth moist and hydrated, reducing the discomfort caused by dry mouth.

Decreased libido, retrograde ejaculation, and gynecomastia are all hormonal effects that can occur with antipsychotic medications.

Sore throat, fever, and malaise are indications of an infection caused by agranulocytosis. WBC counts are necessary WEEKLY

Lower incidence of EPS, does produce anticholinergic effects and NMS effects. Photosensitivity isn't an advantage.

Increasing fluid intake, eating food high in fiber, and increasing physical exercise are all effective ways to manage the psychopharmacologic side effect of constipation. These strategies help to promote regular bowel movements and prevent or alleviate constipation. Increasing fluid intake helps to soften the stool and make it easier to pass. Eating food high in fiber adds bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements. Increasing physical exercise helps to stimulate the muscles in the digestive tract, promoting bowel movements. Sugarless candy or gum, however, does not have a direct impact on managing constipation and is not an effective strategy for this specific side effect.

The patient's symptoms of blunted affect, indifference to surroundings, lack of pleasure, and hallucinations are consistent with schizophrenia. The initial treatment with Drug A, Haloperidol, effectively resolved her hallucinations and paranoia. However, it caused a side effect of tremor and impaired movement. Therefore, the medication was changed to Drug B, Olanzapine, which improved all of her symptoms without the need for weekly blood tests. This suggests that Haloperidol and Olanzapine are the most likely corresponding medications.

Increase in bruising may indicate blood dyscrasias

The client is exhibiting dystonia, which is characterized by muscle contractions that cause abnormal postures or twisting movements. This extrapyramidal reaction is a known side effect of fluphenazine decanoate, an antipsychotic medication commonly used to treat schizophrenia. Dystonia can affect various muscle groups, including the neck, and can cause discomfort and pain. It is important to monitor and manage extrapyramidal reactions promptly to ensure the client's well-being and to adjust the medication regimen if necessary.

Has a high risk for significant weight gain

Benztropine is an antiparkinsonian agent

Secind-generation antipsychotics, such as risperidone, are effective in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as lack of grooming and flat affect.

Tardive dyskinesia is a neurological adverse effect that is associated with the long-term use of antipsychotic drugs. It is characterized by involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and limbs. Unlike akathisia and dystonia, which can occur early in therapy, tardive dyskinesia typically develops after prolonged exposure to antipsychotics. This condition is often irreversible and can be socially and psychologically distressing for patients. Therefore, it is important to monitor patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy for signs of tardive dyskinesia and consider alternative treatment options if necessary.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur as a side effect of certain medications used to treat mental disorders. The symptoms of NMS include high body temperature (hyperthermia), fluctuations in blood pressure (BP), and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat). Weight gain, akathisia (restlessness), and dry mouth are not typically associated with NMS.

Antipsychotic medications mat cause neutropenia and granulocytopenia (life threatening blood dyscrasias)

The nurse should identify drooling, involuntary arm movements, and continual pacing as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) in a client taking perphenazine. EPS are a side effect of antipsychotic medications, such as perphenazine, and can include abnormal movements and behaviors. Drooling can be a result of decreased muscle control in the mouth and throat. Involuntary arm movements, such as tremors or jerking, can be a sign of EPS. Continual pacing, or restlessness and constant movement, can also be a manifestation of EPS. Decreased level of consciousness and urinary retention are not typically associated with EPS.

The nurse would teach the patient to report the manifestations of gynescomastia, weight gain, and menstrual irregularities to the provider if they occur. This is because fluphenazine, an antipsychotic medication, can cause these neuroendocrine effects. Gynescomastia refers to the enlargement of breast tissue in males, weight gain is a common side effect of antipsychotics, and menstrual irregularities can occur in females. It is important for the patient to report these symptoms to the provider for further evaluation and management.

Clients receiving antipsychotic medication such as haloperidol should be instructed to use sunscreen because these medications can increase photosensitivity. They should also be advised to take the medication with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Routine blood tests are necessary to determine the levels of medication in the client's system and ensure therapeutic effectiveness. Abstaining from eating aged cheese is not specifically related to antipsychotic medication. Instructing the client to take the medication at bedtime rather than during the day can help avoid daytime sleepiness, which is a common side effect of antipsychotic medication.

The contraindications/precautions of first generation (typical) antipsychotics include clients in a coma, clients with Parkinson's disease, clients with liver damage, clients with severe hypotension, and elderly clients with dementia. These conditions can be worsened by the use of first generation antipsychotics and may lead to adverse reactions or complications. It is important to consider these contraindications/precautions when prescribing or administering these medications to ensure the safety and well-being of the client.