,Major Psycho
Interventions
Family Teach
, Major Psychotropic Interv
OVERVIEW
Although the origins of a psychiatric illness are influenced by
drugs), eventually an alteration in cerebral function occurs that
Psychotropic drugs target these physiological alterations, and the
Ideally, clinicians want a drug that will relieve the mental
Unfortunately, as with all medications, the efficacy of a speci
Therefore, it is important for nurses to understand which drugs h
course, how to counsel patients and their families about:
• Potential adverse reactions
• Recognizing potential toxic effects and when to notify the hea
• Situations in which these drugs are contraindicated or should
• Any dietary or medication restrictions associated with a specif
• How and when to take the medication to optimize the action o
• Discuss with the patient and family any concerns regarding co
side effects or toxic effects arise that interfere with medication
Some important guidelines that might enhance a patient’s med
Box 22-1
Nursing Guide line s for Me dica t ion Ma na ge
1. Patients must be active partners in managing their sym
medication history and educating patients in how to be
2. Side effects can cause nonadherence. Identify with you
adjustments. Without examining these issues, the assu
the drug because of troublesome side effects.
Interventions
Family Teach
, Major Psychotropic Interv
OVERVIEW
Although the origins of a psychiatric illness are influenced by
drugs), eventually an alteration in cerebral function occurs that
Psychotropic drugs target these physiological alterations, and the
Ideally, clinicians want a drug that will relieve the mental
Unfortunately, as with all medications, the efficacy of a speci
Therefore, it is important for nurses to understand which drugs h
course, how to counsel patients and their families about:
• Potential adverse reactions
• Recognizing potential toxic effects and when to notify the hea
• Situations in which these drugs are contraindicated or should
• Any dietary or medication restrictions associated with a specif
• How and when to take the medication to optimize the action o
• Discuss with the patient and family any concerns regarding co
side effects or toxic effects arise that interfere with medication
Some important guidelines that might enhance a patient’s med
Box 22-1
Nursing Guide line s for Me dica t ion Ma na ge
1. Patients must be active partners in managing their sym
medication history and educating patients in how to be
2. Side effects can cause nonadherence. Identify with you
adjustments. Without examining these issues, the assu
the drug because of troublesome side effects.
