STATE OF CONNECTICUT
Department of Children and Families
Medication Administration Certification Training
Based on the Basic Medication Administration Curriculum2010 Edition
1Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8
Medications for Psychiatric ConditionsMedications for Psychiatric Conditions
2Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8
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AntipsychoticAntipsychotic
Treat psychotic conditions/symptoms
1. For suspected side effects: hold the medication, hold the medication, contact the chain of command, and documentcontact 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
5.5. Certified staff must directly consult with a LP Certified staff must directly consult with a LP before administering any psychotropic PRNbefore administering any psychotropic PRN
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AnticholinergicAnticholinergic
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
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AntidepressantAntidepressant
Treat depression
1. Watch for signs of worsening depression or thoughts of suicide
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Mood stabilizer Mood stabilizer – – LithiumLithium
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
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Mood stabilizer Mood stabilizer – – AnticonvulsantAnticonvulsant
“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
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Anti-anxietyAnti-anxiety
Treats anxiety, tension and nervousness
1. May be controlled medication
2.2. Med certified staff must Med certified staff must directly consult with a LP directly consult with a LP before administering a PRN before administering a PRN anti-anxietyanti-anxiety
3. Overdose can be fatal
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StimulantsStimulants – ADHD medications– 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
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HypnoticsHypnotics – sleep medication– sleep medication
Promotes sleep
1. Offer non-medication interventions first
2. Report insomnia or poor sleeping to the LP
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Serious side effectsSerious side effects(adverse reactions)(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.
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Serious side effects (adverse reactions) Serious side effects (adverse reactions) (Cont.)(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
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Other side effectsOther side effects(Must report to chain of command)(Must report to chain of command)
Sensitivity to Sensitivity to sunsun
Apply sunscreen
Sensitivity to Sensitivity to heatheat
Encourage increased fluid intake
ConstipationConstipation Encourage fluids, fiber, exercise
Appetite Appetite changeschanges
Monitor food intake, encourage healthy food choices
Weight gainWeight gain Follow nutritional recommendations
Sleep Sleep disturbancesdisturbances
Allow for relaxing bedtime routine
Dry mouthDry mouth Encourage fluids to relieve dry mouth
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Unit 8 Quiz Unit 8 Quiz (click on the link below and print)(click on the link below and print)
Medications to treat psychiatric conditions
Answers to: Medications to treat psychiatric conditions
Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8
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