STATE OF CONNECTICUT Department of Children and Families Medication Administration Certification Training Based on the Basic Medication Administration Curriculum 2010 Edition 1 Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

Medications for Psychiatric Conditions 2 Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

3 Antipsychotic Treat psychotic conditions/symptoms hold the medication, contact the chain of command, and document 1.For suspected side effects: hold the medication, contact the chain of command, and document 2.Difficulty swallowing, drooling, facial tics, twitches, and change in gate may be the first sign of a serious side effect 3.Fever is also a possible side effect 4.Call 911 if appropriate 5.Certified staff must directly consult with a LP before administering any psychotropic PRN Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

4 Anticholinergic Treat muscle movement disorders associated with antipsychotic meds 1.Adequate fluid intake is essential, especially in hot weather 2.Contact the chain of command if symptoms don’t improve/get worse Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

5 Antidepressant Treat depression 1.Watch for signs of worsening depression or thoughts of suicide Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

6 Mood stabilizer – Lithium Treats mood disorders 1.Encourage adequate fluid intake 2.Routine blood test may be ordered 3.Ibuprofen should not be administered to patients treated with Lithium Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

7 Mood stabilizer – Anticonvulsant “Off-labeled” use to treat mood disorders 1.Must be given on time as ordered 2.Take as prescribed 3.Routine blood test may be ordered Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

8 Anti-anxiety Treats anxiety, tension and nervousness 1.May be controlled medication 2.Med certified staff must directly consult with a LP before administering a PRN anti-anxiety 3.Overdose can be fatal Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

9 Stimulants – ADHD medications Treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 1.Usually not administered late in the day 2.Monitor weight and food intake 3.May be controlled medication 4.May delay growth Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

10 Hypnotics – sleep medication Promotes sleep 1.Offer non-medication interventions first 2.Report insomnia or poor sleeping to the LP Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

11 Serious side effects (adverse reactions) Some serious side effects are potentially life-threatening or may become permanent. If you notice or the child complains of any of these side effects, hold the medication, contact your chain of command and document. Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

12 Serious side effects (adverse reactions) (Cont.) If you notice or the child complains of any of these side effects:  hold the medication  contact your chain of command &  document Fever or complaint of sore throat Drooling or difficulty swallowing Changes in gait (walking) Confusion or increased sedation Muscle stiffness, esp. in the neck or mouth area Eyes rolling back involuntarily Complaint of stomach pain Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

13 Other side effects (Must report to chain of command) Sensitivity to sun Apply sunscreen Sensitivity to heat Encourage increased fluid intake Constipation Encourage fluids, fiber, exercise Appetite changes Monitor food intake, encourage healthy food choices Weight gain Follow nutritional recommendations Sleep disturbances Allow for relaxing bedtime routine Dry mouth Encourage fluids to relieve dry mouth Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

14 Unit 8 Quiz (click on the link below and print) Medications to treat psychiatric conditions Answers to: Medications to treat psychiatric conditions Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8 Back to “Recert Review” home page Forward to Unit 9