NR 326 Week 3 Pharm Phorm

NR 326 Week 3 Pharm Phorm

Student Name

Chamberlain University

NR-326: Mental Health Nursing

Prof. Name:

Date

Clinical Indications

Risperidone (Risperdal)

Risperidone is primarily used to treat psychiatric conditions that involve disturbed thoughts, mood, or behavior. Its top three clinical applications include:

1. Schizophrenia, especially in adults experiencing acute or chronic symptoms.
2. Management of acute manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
3. Alleviating irritability in children with autism spectrum disorders.

Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

This stimulant is commonly prescribed for:

1. Controlling symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
2. Managing narcolepsy.
3. Treating resistant depression under close supervision.

Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

Lithium is effective in stabilizing mood and is indicated for:

1. Acute manic and maintenance treatment in bipolar I disorder.
2. Adjunctive therapy for depressive episodes.
3. Co-treatment in schizophrenia with antipsychotics.

Divalproex Sodium (Depakote)

Used across various neurologic and psychiatric contexts, its main indications include:

1. Monotherapy or adjunct treatment for simple and complex absence seizures.
2. Complex partial seizures.
3. Adjunctive treatment of multiple seizure types and bipolar mania.

Methadone (Dolophine)

Methadone’s uses are both therapeutic and supportive, including:

1. Chronic pain relief in moderate to severe cases.
2. Detoxification and maintenance therapy in opioid dependency.
3. Treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Mechanism of Action

Risperidone

Risperidone acts by antagonizing central dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT2) receptors, which leads to reduced psychotic symptoms and mood stabilization.

Methylphenidate

This drug enhances central and respiratory nervous system stimulation and has weak sympathomimetic effects, increasing alertness and attention span.

Lithium

Lithium modulates ion transport in neurons and influences neurotransmitter reuptake, helping to stabilize mood over time.

Divalproex Sodium

Increases the concentration of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, helping to control seizures and mood fluctuations.

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic opioid agonist that binds to mu-opioid receptors in the CNS, altering pain perception and producing sedation.

Side and Adverse Effects

Route and Dosage (Adults)

Nursing Implications

Risperidone

1. Regularly assess mental status and mood changes.
2. Monitor weight and BMI throughout therapy.
3. Check blood pressure and heart rate routinely, especially during initial dose titration.

Methylphenidate

1. Evaluate cardiovascular status, including BP and pulse, regularly.
2. Monitor for behavioral changes or signs of abuse.
3. Assess for peripheral vasculopathy symptoms.

Lithium

1. Monitor mental state and suicide risk throughout treatment.
2. Check for early signs of lithium toxicity.
3. Regularly test serum lithium levels, especially in early therapy.

Divalproex Sodium

1. Track seizure activity and mood changes.
2. Assess for suicidal ideation, especially in youth.
3. Institute seizure precautions during initiation.

Methadone

1. Alert healthcare team if patient is excessively drowsy or unconscious.
2. Monitor bowel function.
3. Document pain management effectiveness.

Patient Teaching

Other Considerations

References

Vallerand, A. H., Sanoski, C. A., & Quiring, C. (2019). Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company.

NR 326 Week 3 Pharm Phorm