Question

Discuss and detail each question from this section?

Section 1:
a. What are some of the signs and symptoms of valium abuse and addiction?

b. What patient teaching will be needed for the parents of a child starting on Dilantin?

c. What are the nursing implications for Dopaminergic Agents?

d. What are the nursing implications for patients taking SSRI's?

Answer 1

Valium abuse may show difficulty in speaking, slurring of speech and coordination will not be there. Pupil may be dilated with confusion,dizziness depression etc

Some like going to different pharmacies repeatedly, and slowing of reaction time may be there

As dilantin is an antiepileptic drug it basically tries to inhibit the impulse in the brain and thus controls convulsion.So if there is drowsiness, insomnia or dizziness,headache etc are present and get increased day by day doctors or RN must be informed.

The dopaminergic drugs are used in e.g Parkinsons' disease. Its precursor is levo dopa. This crosses the blood brain barrier.So the side effects to be told to the patients. Like headache dizziness,vomiting, difficulty in sleeping etc If any of these symtoms worsens rn to be consulted

Again food like high protein diet to be avoided as it interfares with their absorption

Also instruct patient to avoid promethazine like drug to avoid drug interaction

Also Reserpine a antihypertensive drug should be instructed to avoid as it interfares with catecholamine synthesis by blocking dopamin uptake.

Ssri are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which increase the uptake of serotonin in brain.

These are anti depressant drugs and used in anxiety and depression disorder.

Increased suicidal tendency is there along with increased risk of bleeding e.g post operative,intracranial etc. So RN must be careful about these side effects.