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13: Psychopharmacologic Drugs

  • Page ID
    90327
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    • 13.0: Introduction
      This page highlights the holistic approach to nursing care, focusing on the integration of physical, spiritual, cultural, psychosocial, and psychological needs. It underscores the significance of understanding mental health as encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The page discusses both nonpharmacologic therapies and pharmacologic treatments for mental health, explaining how psychotropic medications interact with neurotransmitters to relieve symptoms.
    • 13.1: Antidepressants
      This section provides a comprehensive overview of antidepressant treatment for depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD) characteristics, pharmacology, and drug classes like SSRIs and SNRIs. It addresses dosing guidelines, adverse effects, interactions, and the importance of monitoring certain populations. The risks associated with MAOIs and miscellaneous antidepressants are discussed alongside nursing implications.
    • 13.2: Antipsychotics
      This page provides an overview of psychosis treatment using antipsychotic medications, covering the characteristics, indications, and nursing implications of both first and second-generation drugs. First-generation antipsychotics primarily address positive symptoms but come with notable adverse effects. In contrast, second-generation agents are effective for a wider range of symptoms with milder side effects.
    • 13.3: Mood Stabilizers
      This page provides an overview of bipolar disorder treatment, emphasizing lithium's role as a mood stabilizer, its risks, and the potential use of atypical antipsychotics and antiseizure medications. It outlines critical nursing considerations for those on mood stabilizers, including patient monitoring and education on medication adherence, symptom reporting, hydration, safety precautions, and awareness of drug interactions.
    • 13.4: Anxiolytics and Sedative-Hypnotics
      This page covers the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders, focusing on drug therapies like benzodiazepines and nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics. It highlights their benefits, risks (including dependence and toxicity in at-risk populations), and the importance of nursing considerations and client education. Guidelines for medication use, including dietary precautions and safe dosing, are provided.
    • 13.5: CNS Stimulants and Nonstimulants
      This page provides an overview of treatments for attention deficit disorders and narcolepsy, emphasizing drug characteristics, dosing guidelines, and nursing implications. CNS stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines are primarily used for ADHD, while narcolepsy treatment may involve a combination of medications and behavioral therapies. Safety information includes risks, contraindications, and potential adverse effects of both stimulant and non-stimulant medications.
    • 13.6: Chapter Summary
      This page discusses common mental health disorders and their treatment through various drug classifications. It emphasizes that certain drugs can treat multiple disorders, while multiple drugs can target a single condition. Key medication groups include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics, which aid clients in achieving independence. The chapter notes that ongoing research may refine treatment approaches and reduce stigma associated with mental health issues.
    • 13.7: Key Terms
      This page presents a comprehensive overview of terms and concepts related to mental health, including definitions of disorders like bipolar and anxiety. It discusses medication side effects and treatment methods, such as anxiolytics and cognitive-behavioral therapy, while also addressing phenomena like sleep paralysis.
    • 13.8: Review Questions
      This page provides exercises on nursing care for clients using psychiatric medications, covering key topics such as anticholinergic effects from tricyclic antidepressants, symptoms of bipolar disorder from low lithium levels, and ADHD medication effectiveness. It emphasizes patient education on antidepressants, antipsychotic side effects, and sleep medications, along with the necessity of following proper medication protocols and dietary modifications for patients on certain drugs.


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