STATE OF CONNECTICUT Department of Children and Families

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

2. Medications for Psychiatric Conditions Unit 8 2 Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

3. Antipsychotic • Treat psychotic conditions/symptoms • For suspected side effects: hold the medication, contact the chain of command, and document • Difficulty swallowing, drooling, facial tics, twitches, and change in gate may be the first sign of a serious side effect • Fever is also a possible side effect • Call 911 if appropriate • 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 • Adequate fluid intake is essential, especially in hot weather • Contact the chain of command if symptoms don’t improve/get worse Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

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

6. Mood stabilizer – Lithium • Treats mood disorders • Encourage adequate fluid intake • Routine blood test may be ordered • 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 • Must be given on time as ordered • Take as prescribed • Routine blood test may be ordered Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

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

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

10. Hypnotics– sleep medication • Promotes sleep • Offer non-medication interventions first • 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.) • 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 If you notice or the child complains of any of these side effects:  hold the medication  contact your chain of command &  document Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8

13. Other side effects(Must report to chain of command) 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 Back to “Recert Review” home page Forward to Unit 9 Recertification Review Guide, Unit 8