Medications

Which med is frequently prescribed for ADHD?

Methylphenidate It appears to act by stimulating the release of norepinephrine from nerve endings in the brainstem

The nurse explains to a client that olanzapine is being substituted for clozapine because it doesn't produce which adverse effect?

Agranulocytosis Neutropenia may occur though

Which sedative-hypnotics would the nurse identify as being used to treat insomnia associated with a panic disorder?

Alprazolam Clonazepam They are both benzodiazepines

What is the therapeutic range of serum lithium levels?

0.5 - 1.5 mEq/L

What level of serum lithium does toxicity occur at?

2.0 mEq/L

Which adverse effect would the nurse anticipate in a client receiving lithium therapy for treatment of depression?

Ataxia

A client on antipsychotic medication therapy develops parkinsonism. Which meds would the nurse anticipate being beneficial for the client?

Benztropine: Amantadine Diphenhydramine

The nurse noticed increased BP in a client being treated for depression. Which antidepressant med would the nurse ask the HCP to reconsider?

Bupropion

The nurse understands which as the primary reason oxazepam is given during detoxification?

It minimizes withdrawal symptoms the client may experience.

Which tricyclic antidepressants cause fewer complications in older clients?

Nortriptyline Desipramine It's because they have less anticholinergic activity

A client abruptly stops taking a barbiturate. Which withdrawal complication would the nurse anticipate?

Seizures

Paroxetine

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Tx: panic disorders; promotes sleep

Which medications are used as the first-line treatment for PTSD?

Sertraline Paroxetine

A client who is addicted to heroin has major surgery. Afterward, the client receives methadone. Which purpose does this med serve?

Switches the user from illicit opioid use to use of a legal drug. The strength of this med is controlled & remains constant from dose to dose, unlike illicit drugs. It may be administered over the long term to replace illicit opiod use

The nurse administers an antipsychotic medication to a client. The nurse will assess the client for which common, manageable side effect.

Unintentional tremor

Hydroxyzine Side Effects

drowsiness Suppresses the CNS Also has anticholinergic & antihistaminic effects

Which assessment would the nurse perform for a 10 y.o. client prescribed methylphenidate to treat ADHD?

grades weight appetite behavior heart rate

What is the only transdermal treatment for major depression?

transdermal selegiline

A HCP diagnoses chronic, low-grade depression in a client. Which med is indicated for this condition?

Amitriptyline

While caring for a client on phenelzine, the nurse notes an excess elevation of the person's temp. Which med being taken concurrently by the client may be responsible for this condition?

Meperidine Phenelzine is a MAOI used to treat depression. Meperidine is a strong analgesic that when taken w/ an MAOI can result in excessive temp elevation

Which intervention would the nurse include in the plan of care for a client being treated with lithium for bipolar disorder?

Monitoring blood levels Assessing for slurred speech Evaluating I&O Instructing the client to limit caffeine intake. Advising the client to use reliable birth control

What raises the level of selegiline?

Oxcarbazepine significantly raises the level of selegiline

A client on antidepressant therapy develops hyponatremia. Which med may be responsible for the client's electrolyte imbalance?

Paroxetine

A client diagnosed with schizophrenia was prescribed antipsychotic meds & developed extrapyramidal symptoms. The nurse understands which meds might be responsible for these symptoms?

Perphenazine Fluphenazine Trifluoperazine

Olanzapine is prescribed for a client with bipolar disorder, manic episode. What cautionary advice does the nurse give the client?

Sit up slowly. This med is a thienobenzodiazepine which can cause orthostatic hypotension. Also, blurred vision, decreased salivation, nausea, & GI upsets may occur. Take w/ food if needed.

What is the most common adverse reaction of selegiline?

a localized rash

What are adverse effects of buspirone?

blurred vision paradoxical anxiety

What are adverse effects of diazepam?

confusion

A nurse is teaching the parents of a child with ADHD about the prescribed med methylphenidate. When will the daily dose be administered?

just after breakfast (because it's an appetite suppressant)

Phenelzine

monoamine oxidase inhibitor Tx: panic disorders; promotes sleep

Imipramine

tricyclic antidepressant Tx: panic disorders; promotes sleep

Which assessment finding alerts the nurse to stop administering haloperidol to a client until further lab work is done?

yellow sclerae This is a sign of jaundice indicating an increase of lier enzymes which may be irreversible even if medication therapy is discontinued