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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