Mental Health Nursing Psychiatric Nursing SUPPLEMENTAL
BULLETS
TYPICAL PROFILE OF PATIENT WITH ANOREXIA NERVOSA –
FEMALE , ADOLESCENT,UPPER CLASS ,PERFECTIONIST A PaTIENT WITH AN EATING DISORDER UNCONSCIOUSLY ASSOCIATES FOOD WITH LOVE AND AFFECTION LITHIUM LEVEL TOXIC AT 2.0 mEq / L NEUROLOGIC SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS INCLUDE NAVDA, TREMOR, HYPERREFLEXIA,FASCICULATIONS, BRADYCARDIA , ARRYTHMIAS ,SEIZURES AND COMA Korsakoff’s Psychosis : inability to process new information ( to
form new memories). This is a reversible condition resulting from brain damage induced by a thiamine deficiency which is generally secondary to chronic alcoholism. Werniche’s Encepalopathy : This disease is also due to an alcoholic-induced thiamine deficiency. It is an irreversible disease in which the brain tissues break down, become inflammed, and bleed
Pharmacological treatment of alcohol withdrawal – benzodiazepines or barbiturates First symptom of Alzheimer’s Disease – progressive memory loss Effective long term treatment for alcoholics – AA Methadone causes analgesia without euphoria,withdrawal symptoms
less
severe than heroin Medical/ health professionals prone to have anxiety and depression treated by generalist rather than physicians
Delirium – reversible organic mental syndrome reflecting deficits in attention, organized thinking, orientation , speech, memory and perception. Patients are frequently confused, anxious , excited and have hallucinations. A change in consciousness can be observed(clouding of consciousness) Dementia –irreversible impaired functioning secondary to changes / deficits in memory, spatial concepts, personality , cognition , language , motor and sensory skills, judgement or behavior. No change in consciousness
Substances that mimic generalized anxiety – amphetamines , cocaine , anticholinergics, alcohol and sedative withdrawal Geriatric drug induced hallucinations commonly due to propanolol Major risk or TCA’s – orthostatic hypotension leading to falls Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and their temporal relations Hallucinations – after 24 hours Autonomic hyperactivity – after 6-8 hours Global confusion 1-3 days after
Side effects of Ritalin – insomnia abdl. Pain, depression, anorexia, HA and HPN First episode of Bipolar disease – mania before depression Lithium used for mania and – bulimia , anorexia nervosa, alcoholism
with mood d/o, headaches Borderline personality d/o – Chronic Boredom Parotid gland swelling and erosion of teeth enamel, elevated serum amylase and hypokalemia – Bulimia Conversion d/o – internal psychological conflict that manifests as somatic symptoms.
Dysthymia – chronic d/o more than 2 years Symptoms of depression I Nterest down Sleep Appetite Depressed mood Concentration diff. Activity Guilt Energy low Suicide
Dystonic rxn – side effect of neuroleptics-muscle spasm of tongue, face and neck and back,laryngospasm and extraocular muscle spasm Dystonic rxn – treated with Benadryl or Cogentin Hallucinogens affect – serotonin Munchausen syndrome – harm oneself – factitious d/o –
manchausen by proxy – seeks medical care for another (e.g. child)
Haloperidol – prefrred neuroleptic – few side effects , can be used IM during emergencies( but high
frequency of extrapyramidal effects) Clozapine
– no tardive dyskinesia but can develop agranulocytosis , seizures,hypotension, over sedation. Benzodiazepine contrindications – pregnancy ( 1st trim)acute narrow angle glaucoma, and hypersensitivity Extrapyramidal Rxns- involuntary spontaneous motor movements – dystonis, akathisia and parkinson like syndrome
Obsessive – Compulsive d/o –begins before 25 y.o. – SSRI and exposure therapy beneficial Positive operant conditioning – reinforce positive behavior PTSD possible even though there is no actual witnessing of event Flashbacks , nightmares,intense fear,avoidance and diminished
memory of event with an exagerrated startle response onset occurs at least 6 months - PTSD
Post partum psychosis – first few weeks post-partum(710 d/6-8wk,) primiparous,poor social support and
previous depression Schizophrenia – Association
looseness
Ambivalence Autism Affect
inappropriate Hallucinations + A’s + Regression + Delusions + Stimuli comprehension low (HARDS)
Somatization d/o – multiple , unexplained medical symptoms(four unexplained pain Sx) Suicide – bipolar d/o, depression, substance abuse and schiz. Reliable predictors of potentially violent patient – male gender , Hx
of violence , history of substance abuse Organic brain syndrome most frequent mood – irritability Labile affect – rapid shifts of mood
Medication used to relieve extrapyramidal effects of psychotropic medications: Benadryl Artane Cogentin
School age w/ terminal illness – honestly explain in understandable
terms. Provide reassurance that he will not be alone.
Prodromes of violent behavior – anxiety,defensiveness,volatility and physical aggression Akathisia-internal restlessness-Tx – propanolol Echolalia – meaningless automatic repition of someone else’s
words Catalepsy – maintains same posture for a long period of time Waxy flexibility –offers resistance to change in position but gradually allows to be moved to anew posture
Institutionalization only if patient poses a danger to self or others 10
most stressful events(Holmes and Rahe)
Death
of a spouse or child
Divorce Separation Institutional
detention of a close family member Major personal illness/injury Marriage Job loss Marital reconciliation retirement Death
Standard care for domestic violence Establish confidential system of identification Document Collect evidence Evaluate safety issues Formulate safety plan Give insight to options and resources Refer for counseling nad legal asst. Coordinate w/ law enforcement Transport to shelter prn Follow up w/ DV advocate
Common anti cholinergic meds- AtSO4, TCA’s,antihistamines, phenothiazines and antiparkinsonian drugs
Lithium toxicity –sign: tremor, symptoms:weakness and ECG
findings: flattening of T-waves.
Tx for Wernicke’s Encephalopathy – thiamine IV Organic Brain Syndrome – manifestations Hallucinations Perception aberration Mental status change Focal neurologic sign
Imipramine HCl – TCA – dry mouth – X drink excessively – leads to electrolyte imbalance – just ice chips/ gum Least therapeutic around depressed clients – Cheerfulness or gaiety Theory behind interpersonal model of behavior therapy: Behavioral Changes
result from stress on the individual and his body systems Systems model theory – behavior results from interaction between individual and environment Haldol’s CNS adverse reaction – Extrapyramidal side effects
Significant features of each AXIS in the Diagnosis Statistical Manual for mental disorders IV Axis 1 – organic brain syndromes,psychosis,affective d/o and
substance abuse Axis 2 – personality disorders Axis 3 – medical problems Axis 4 - Life events leading to problems Psychosocial
and environmental
Axis 5 – patient adaptation to problems
Schiz. patient – priority safety then self care needs , then health needs then behavior goals Major goals of psychosocial rehabilitation program – teaching
independent living skills OC d/o – substitution and undoing Adolescent behavior influence - peers Organic mental d/o : Agnosia,insomnia,amnesia,confusion
delirium and depression
Attributes negative traits to others - projection Showing emotion opposite to what is Alcohol aversion therapy – antabuse
truly felt – reaction formation
Alcoholism
– rationalization – substituting a more acceptable reason for one’s
behavior Heroin overdose – ABC’s Cocaine – red excoriated nostrils, tachycardia , nervousness and pupillary dilation AA – independent responsible arrangements(personally done)
Barbiturate overdose -respiratory failure Drug given at a non- intoxicating dose for barbiturate withdrawal –
Pentobarbital Na ( Nembutal) Long term amphetamine abuse – emotional lability, depression,dependency , hallucinations and delusions
Severe anxiety and withdrawn – diversion activities and increased social contact Anorexia nervosa when exercising – interrupt and redirect activity Antisocial – egocentrc and unconcerned Ultimate nursing goal for severe anxiety disorder – development of
adaptive coping behaviors and problem solving skills Inderal use to relieve physical symptoms of anxiety
Disclosure of a plan to kill someone – report to the staff and AP asap Obtained
sense of self – awareness, attributes , defense mechanisms and behaviors – gained INSIGHT Priority for suicidal depressed patients – safety and security ( not cause personal harm) Suicide an individual decision cannot be influenced by nurses questions Sudden increase in energy level or mood- warning sign
Client under influence of cocaine – agitated, aggressive and paranoid – priority safety / protect pnt. Tardive dyskinesia – involuntary twitching or muscle movements Dystonia – uncoordinated spastic movements of the body Discharge – preparation for termination of NPR Delusional withdrawn – encourage participation – reinforces reality
and brief one on one contacts in his own room
Fluphenazine decanoate ( prolixin ) drug of choice for Schiz. – given only once every 2-4 weeks Prolixin
– edema , blood dyscrasias and BP fluctuations – check weight , WBC count and BP.
Schiz – Client’s
complaints of hallucinations – assess for compliance discharge from involuntary admission – determined by legal or medical
approval Confused client – promote safety, prevent injury and maintain quality of life
Alcohol intoxication – allow pnt. Sleep it off Support gropu for spouses and significant others of alcoholics – Al-
non Breaking defenses of denial may lead to mental disorganization and depression Thorazine reduces seizure threshold Heroin addiction symptoms of late withdrawal – navda recovery principle to ease anxiety – “ one day at a time”
Barbiturates + alcohol – depressant effect 2-3 days barbiturate withdrawal – generalized convulsions-Given
nembutal to decrease seizure possibility Anorexia nervosa goal of Tx – stabilize weight and facilitate entry into outpatient care Xanax – short term Tx – tolerance can occur Do not respond to a client who tries to evoke feelings of anger / negative response
Endogenous depression – biochemical in nature amitriptyline HCl – urinary retention Elderly – reminiscing – reduce depression,
lessen feelings of isolation and loneliness Alcohol detoxification – inquire alcohol consumption past 24-48 hours to determine withdrawal severity ( auditory hallucinations – common) Delirium Tremens quiet , well lighted room with companion , last resort – restrain if violent only Heroin injection – tested for HIV and Hepa B
Methadone – liquid form under direct supervision Best measures to recovery success – number of chemically free days Drug tolerance – requires increasingly larger doses to achieve the same
desired effect Severe Sx of barbiturate with drawal – postural hypotension,psychosis, hyperthermia and seizures Anorexia nervosa – focus – nutritional status Patient on librium avoid alcohol Disciplining unacceptable behavior – person still accepted
Alcohol disulfiram Rxn – vomiting , dyspnea, hypotension,vertigo,syncope,confusion,respiratory depression,convulsions,coma,death Alcoholism defense – rationalization , repression /suppression,
denial
Heroin overdose – antidoteNarcan(naloxone)increased HR,BP and LOC ( but short acting ) Barbiturate ,Opiate or Benzodiazepine – sluggish, irritable, slurred
speech , impaired judgement and walking diff.Buspar – not prn – therapeutic effect 7 – 10 days…full effect 3 -4 weeks Epinephrine – decrease peristalsis Restraints discontinued when subj. and obj. assessments indicate an absence of aggression
Abusive family characteristics : History of family violence Unbalanced power ratio Stereotypical role playing Dysfunctional expression of feelings Strict boundaries Lack of empathy Substance abuse Low self esteem – common trait of abuse victims
Medication can only be forced to a patient if he poses a threat to himself and others Anti social personality – limit setting on behaviors Psychophysiological anxiety d/o – activities that promote rest, involve relaxation Self awareness towards mortality needed to be effective in caring for the
terminally ill Organic mental d/o – safe simple envt. To help his orientation Anorexia nervosa – perfectionists ,self starvation and rigorous exercise – high cal and high CHON diet.subconcious conflicts – parental , autonomy, identity
Isolation , medication and warning others –short term anger mngt. Does not place responsibility on the patient
for his own behavior, ineffective in behavior modification Positive reinforcement for good behaviors For manipulative clients – limit setting and positive reinforcement
Personality traits for ulcerative colitis – OC, perfectionist, inflexible, difficulty in showing emotions and obstinate Four point retraints – monitor circulation and skin, provide sensory
stimulation,means of elimination and nutrition and change in position MAO therapeutic effects – 4 weeks Turning unacceptable feelings into physical Sx that has no identifiable cause – conversion rxn
Sarcasm – expression of anger Confabulation – unconscious behavior used to hide memory loss by
replacing it with fabrication Unconscious forgetting of traumatic events– repression Projecting feelings or thought to someone – transference MAO – headache and neck stiffness – hypertensive crisis
Communication for someone who refuses to speak – open ended questions focussing on expression of feelings Anti-psychotics abrupt discontinuation- nausea and seizures Manipulative behavior – lack of trust Verbally and physically abusive patients – try setting limits verbally
before physical and chemical restraints
Abused child little showing of emotion and little response to pain Depressed clients readiness evaluated by responsibility for own
well being , ADL’s and continuing Treatment. Abused child – same primary nurse everyday – promote trust and provide continuity of care Anti –social – continue to enforce rules and set limits on behavior( provide appropriate explanation)
Demerol C/I for clients taking MAOI’s,can cause death Alzheimers memory and emotion difficulties – stage 1 Memory loss, confusion , wanderin aphasia, inability to do self Lithium therapy – monitor sodium Tyramine rich foods- smoked , aged , pickled or fermented Stage 1 alzheimers – recent memory loss only Hallucination episodes – redirect to reality ( activities)
care – stage 3
Lithium carbonate therapeutic level in 2 weeks Dementia –wandering – constant supervision A client exhibiting mania placed on lithium carbonate
and Thorazine simultaneously…Thorazine controls manic behavior until lithium reaches its therapeutic levella belle indifference – lack of concern for profound disability Highest treatment priority for anorexia nervosa-correction of nutritional and electrolyte imbalance Seclusion for – promotion of therapeutic limit setting, reduces overwhelming environmental stimulation, protects patient from self injury or injury to others- if patient does not respond to less restricted interventions – until pnt. Can assume self control Compulsion – irresistable urge to perform an irrational act Self esteem needs- self – worth ,self respect ,self –reliance , dignity
and independence Love and belongingness – affiliation , affection and intimacy
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory MMPI- 550 question test assess personality and detects d/o such as schizophrenia and depression ECT … 6-12 treatments of 2-3 per week Circumstaniality –disturbance in associate thought and speech
patterns Lithium levels checked every 6 – 8 weeks
Primary purpose of psychotropic medications to decrease symptoms to allow participation in therapy First
step in drug overdose or toxicity management- establish and maintain
airway Korsakoff’s syndrome – hallucinations,confabulation,amnesia and disorientation TCA ‘s A/R:
orthostatic hypotension,tremors seizures HPN shock arrythmias
overdosage:
Most common psychiatric disorder
depression