Georgette’s LMR(Flashcards made based off of Georgette’s Last Minute Review)2022/2023

substantia nigra
dopamine is produced here

Aplastic anemia
Tegretol side effect

Serotonin discontinuation syndrome
Sensory disturbance, sleeping disturbance, disequilibrium, flu like sx, dizzy, n/v

Sign of fetal alcohol syndrome
small head, smooth palpebral fissure, inner epicanthal folds

*sign of serotonin syndrome
hyperthermia, shivering, anxiety, diaphoresis, diarrhea

to get reluctant patient to engage use what
open ended questions

Rhett syndrome
a rare disorder found virtually exclusively in girls, is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which the child usually develops normally unitl about 6 to 18 months of age at which characteristics of the syndrome emerge; characteristics include: hypotonia (loss of muscle tone), reduced eye contact, decelerated head growth, and disinterest in play activities

Risk factor for serotonin syndrome
more than 1 SSRI, St Johns wart, tramadol, demerol, Ultram

State board of nursing, ANA, regulates what
Scope of practice

PHQ-9 over 20
Severe depression

Cranial nerve VII, sensory and motor
Puff cheeks

Trichotillomania/OCD
Pulling hair out

Raphi Nuclei
Serotonergic neurons in the brain, produce serotonin

“I don’t know answers”
Pseudo dementia, depression

PANDAS associated with
Strep, Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder. If OCD, did they have strep recently

Lyrica
Patient has neuropathic pain, gabapentin not helping. What med may

Almost completely absorbed, 3 times more than gabapentin
Why Lyrica works better for pain

Conversion syndrome
Patient lost friend and now experiences paralysis. Repressed unconscious intrapsychic conflicts

Tardive dyskinesia
a person with EPS will most likely experience

Alpha 2 delta protein
pain is linked to ability to bind to what

Double Serum Lithium level
NSAID and Ace inhibitors do what to lithium

NMS labs
increased creatinine kinase, WBC, LDH, LFT’s (rhabdomyolysis due to muscle tremors and rigidity)

Norepinephrine
helps control alertness and arousal, mood hunger and sleep

This is synthesized in the Locus Coeruleus
Norepinephrine

Identify NMS with these key features
Rigidity, Autonomic instability, fever, change LOC, drooling

Meningitis
nuchal rigidity, stiffness in cervical neck

These can cause mania
steroids, antabuse, isonaizid, antidepressants in bipolar

MMSE
test for abstract versus concrete operations

MMSE 0-17 shows
Severe cognitive impairment

MMSE 24-40
No cognitive impairment

Dopamine and GABA
Neurotransmitters involved in alcoholism

Dantrolene
Muscle relaxant for NMS

Bromocriptine
Dopamine receptor agonist, for NMS

Phallic state age 3-6
masturbate is normal

Primary prevention
Classes, education, modify environment, prevent and promote

Secondary prevention
screening and early detection, crisis hotline

Tertiary prevention
Rehab, day treatment, social skills, treat to prevent further deterioration

Lithium toxicity hits at what value
1.5 with nausea and vomiting

startle reflex (moro)
last 5-6 months, if absent do an xray

motivational interviewing is
non-confrontational style, helps patients move further along the continuum of change, based on transtheoretical model of stages of change

Ace and Arbs
Two classes of meds shouldn’t be used together

Renal dysfunction
Don’t give Ace and Arbs together because they cause this

Anxiety
SSRI started in 65yr old can cause this. Expect increased side effects, do ekg

Accutane
This can cause depression and birth defect

Congestive heart failure
Drugs known as ace inhibitors ending in “pril” can cause this

Nucleus basal is of Meynert
These are vulnerable in age related neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s due to decreased acetylcholine in brain

Hip disease
Abnormal trendelenberg test indicates

Adjustment disorder
Symptoms within 3 months but not more than 6 months. Reaction to specific life event (stressor)

Normal Tanner stage, start by 16
14yr old no axillary hair no period

Concern for rhabdomyalysis
Adolescent with substance abuse but works out and muscle aches. What may this indicate

What does Erythromycin do to Tegretol
Inhibitor, so it increases the level, you need to decrease the dose

What is first line neuroprotective med for bipolar
Lithium

First symptom of metabolic syndrome
Large waist circumference

Flonase interacts with what mood stabilizer
Tegretol

Flonase has what in it
Steroids

Steroids are an inhibitor and lead to increase in what level
Tegretol

Tegretol has a known risk for what, which means if you give it with steroid you do what to dosing
Agranulocytosis, decrease

First sign of frontal lobe dementia
Personality changes, social changes

Patient with irritability, depression, edginess should be screened for what
Bipolar if 7/13 bipolar likely

How long does Parkinsonism take to develop
Months

How long does akathisia take to develop
Days

How long does tardive dyskinesia take to decelop
Years

Grade 2/5 hoarse systolic heart murmur indicates
Aortic stenosis

Most commonly used anxiety scale is what
Hamilton

Hamilton anxiety scale 14 indicates, 18-24 indicates, 25-30 indicates
Lower is mild, over 25 severe

Hamilton depression scale normal range is what
0-7

Hamilton depression scale mild is scored as what
8-13

Hamilton depression scale of 19-23 indicates what and what do you monitor for
Severe depression, suicide

Health care policy is assess, cost, and what
Quality

How does Tegretol interact with Cipro
Cipro and erythromycin are inhibitors, decrease dose

How you get paid for Medicare
CPT, current procedural terminology

How does ibuprofen effect lithium
Increases serum level of lithium to double

Organization accountability focus on universal safety in healthcare to find error and what went wrong is defined as
Just culture

What is quantitative data
In numbers

What is qualitative data
Measures natural setting like observation

Research like experimental design but uses naturally occurring groups rather than assigning subjects to groups
Quasi-experimental design

Rare complication anorexia nervosa binge purge includes
Delayed gastric emptying and motility

How To check for decreased gastric motility
Measure stomach

Delayed intervention of delayed gastric emptying can lead to
Gastric necrosis, perforation, shock, death

Male with more than 1 X chromosome (xxy) Little to no sperm, fertility treatment indicates
Klinefelter syndrome

Keeping chronically mental ill in community is part of what therapy model
Assertive community therapy model (ACT)

Labs for macrocyclic anemia
Folic avid, b12, ESR/CRP, HGB, MCV liver

Labs for rheumatoid arthritis
ESR elevation, synovial fluid analysis, X-ray joints, crp, hgb, Rheumatoid factor titer

Labs on lithium
Leukocytes is, creatinine, BUN, NA, 4+ protein in urine

Law makes sure people with mental health issues get same financial treatment
Mental health parity act requires annual lifetime dollar limits be no lower than any medical surgical benefits. 1996

Pt with severe diarrhea, n/v, metallic taste, tremor, slurred speech, May be going through what
Lithium toxicity

What intervention for lithium toxicity and what level is emergent
Give fluids, 3

Tegretol strong inducer of what neurotransmitter
3A4

Tergretol (carbamazepine) induces Flonase so you need to do what to flonase
Increase the Flonase

How to test for fungal Infection
Shavings of toes

How to check for dementia
Have patient tell you risk/benefits and test capacity

Involuntary, spasmodic, twitching, uncontrolled vocal sounds, inappropriate words indicates
Tourette’s

What does Tagamet (cimetidine) do
Prevents acid from backing up into esophagus and causing heartburn

Tagamet is an antacid and blocks what neuro receptor
H2

What to do for patient on Tagamet but also Benzo or coumadin
Increase benzo increase coumadin

To be diagnosed Tourette’s the patient has to have symptoms for how long and usually occurs by what age
1 year and by 3-9

A patient has to have these symptoms by what age to get diagnosed..involuntary vocal sounds, twitching, spasmodic
Tourette’s 18

Serotonin and Norepinephrine are the two associated with
Depression

This medicine can cause glaucoma
Trazodone

Patient starting trazodone (desyrel) should have what Base line test completed
EKG

Most severe reaction to trazodone perhaps by overdose is what
Priapism, QT prolongation, respiratory arrest, seizure

Normal development 6yr old diagnosed leukemia 1 month ago what do you expect
Thinks he is being punished for doing something wrong

When should a patient take Vardenafil (Levitra)
45 minutes prior to sex

This is a statistical measure of 2 independent samples significantly different
T test

Chromosomal disorder in female X chromosome missing making coffee instead of xx, or part of X chromosome deleted, delayed puberty, amenorrhea, poor social skills, web neck, osteoporosis
Turner syndrome

In schizophrenia most all structures decrease but what
Ventricles

To start a consulting firm you need what to show economic viability
Revenue and expenses

What birth control pills do to lamictal
Inducer so lowers the level of lamictal

What does a 17 indicate on mmse
Moderate cognitive impairment

What does a decreased reticulocyte count indicate
Anemia, acute or chronic bleeding

What does an abnormal reticulocyte count indicate in general
Doesn’t diagnose anything first step is to identify source of issue

What does increased reticulocyte count indicate
Bone marrow disorder or vitamin deficiency

A test to measure reticulocyte in your blood and should range 0.5 to 1.5%
Reticulocyte count

I’ll

Hamilton depression scale 14-18 indicates what
Moderate depression

What are two important things to measure when using zyprexa
Lipid and abdomen circumference

What class controlled substance is Np approved prescribing
Schedule II-V only

What cranial nerve assessed when patient shrug shoulders
Spinal accessory 11 (XI)

What cranial nerve tested patient clench jaw and assess temporal muscle
Trigeminal 5 V

What schedule drug is PCP, heroin, MDMA
1 nobody has these

What schedule drug significant abuse potential
2, morphine, methadone, methylphenidate

What schedule has moderate abuse potential
3 hydrocodone, codeine

What schedule has low abuse potential
Benzo, ambien, phentermine

What schedule has very low abuse potential
5 antitussive, lomotil

What 3 atypical can be used for teens
Seroquel, ability, zyprexa

These are the three CK muscle enzyme test
CKBB, CKMM, CKMB

To qualify for GAD, or must have 3 symptoms for how long
6 months, worry, anxiety, tension, sleep trouble, restless, energy loss

If an Asian makes no eye contact with provider it indicates
Respect

What does messenger RNA code for
Amino acids

What is normal lab for ANC
1500-8000

What to do if or on Tegretol and ANC is less than 1000
Stop and repeat lab

What erythromycin does to trileptal
Inhibits so increases Trileptal you need to decrease trileptal

Patient with HIV dementia lab shows CD4 level as
Less than 200 and viral load is high

Delano year inhibits lamictal so what does it do to the lamictal level
Increases lamictal level

Risk in using tramadol
Serotonin syndrome

Often times this is mistaken for depression in the neginning
Hiv related dementia

What is often common in patient with fibromyalgia
Sexual abuse

Refeeding syndrome
Anorexic teen with pain when eating due to delayed gastric emptying

Aggression in the brain
Dysfunction in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex leading to violent tendencies can cause

hypothalmus
believed to regulate aggression

apoptosis
programmed cell death, neuron loss due to suffocation ,enzyme breakdown

CN V Trigeminal
Clenched teeth

CBT
Best therapy for negative thinking

WBC and ANC
Labs to check if patient is on clozaril

1000
Stop clozaril if ANC is less than what

What does low dopamine do to prolactin
Increases and cause milk extract

High dopamine in the hypothalmus does what to prolactin
decrease

If FSH is inhibited what happens
Amenorrhea, galactorrhea

What does antipsychotic do to mesolimbicc pathway
decreases dopamine but too much causes parkinsonism

Greatest risk of EPS and NMS comes from typical or atypical antipsychotic
Typical such as Haldol

This atypical antipsychotic increases prolactin
Risperidone

This drug causes high risk of agranulocytosis and what lab should you obtain
clozaril, run CBC

Oculogyric crisis, sustained muscle contraction is example of what
Dystonia

Restless, Pacing, knees tapping quickly, example of what
Akathesia

A patient having akathesia should be given what
Beta blocker to relax

Cogwheel rigidity, shuffling gait, tremor, example of what
parkinsonism

Treatment for dystonia or parkinsonism
Anticholinergic, cogentin or benadryl

Lip, tongue smacking repetitive is an example of
tardive dyskinesia

treatment for tardive dyskinesia
discontinue antipsychotic and start clozaril

Danrolene is what
dopamine agonist

Which lobe impacted if working memory or impulse control issue
frontal lobe

Which lobe cause auditory visual hallucinations, aphasia, amnesia
temporal

Obsession is
a recurrent, unwanted thought, idea, or image

Compulsion is
uncontrollable urge to perform an act repeatedly

Babinski reflex disappears, (goes up and other toes fan out)
9 months

MMSE score 25-30
normal

MMSE: Score that indicates mild cognitive impairment
21-24

MMSE score of less than _ is suggestive of dementia (total maximum is 30).
10

Dementia due to HIIV disease
Subcortical dementia

If person age 5 or even 40 can complete project they are in what stage
formal operation

Lack of self control or self esteem shows failure when
Early childhood

A failure of infancy stage leads to
unable to form meaningful relationship

Inability to set goals or self initiated behavior is a failure when
late childhood

Psych disorder schizo, substance abuse, paranoia associated with failure of what stage
Oral according to Freud

Inability to form social relationships is failure of what stage
Latency

Depressive disorders associated with failure of what stage
Anal stage

This therapy focuses on emotional regulation
DBT

This therapy focus is present focus on life and self confrontation
Existential

This therapy is self directed growth and self actualization- each person has potential to find meaning
Humanistic

This therapy identifies distorted thoughts and substitutes reality oriented interpretations
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This therapy most common use is PTSD
EMDR

Biofeedback is used for what
Anxiety and pain, not depression

Family Systems Theory
focus on chronic anxiety within family, Use triangles and genograms with goal to increase self-differentation

This family therapy uses only genogram
Structural family therapy

Interventions are problem focused, more symptom focused with straightforward directives
Strategic therapy

Paradoxical directive
A negative task assigned when family resistant to change

Solution focused therapy
emphasizes solutions that worked previously

Wash out period for patient on SSRI to MAOI
Wait 2 weeks before initiate

Prozac to MAOI
wait 5-6 weeks due to longer half life

what do serial 7 test
concentration

where do you document SI or HI
Thought content

Ask patient where they ate breakfast and they tell whole story before answer is an example of
Circumstantial

Ask patient what they ate and they tell you about a vacation
tangential

To test concentration or attention have patient do what
Count backward from 100 by 7s

Sensory perceptual disturbance or taste associated with this lobe
parietal lobe

The largest part of the brain is the
cerebrum

mechanism of action that makes antipsychotic atypical is
serotonin 5H2A antagonism

yes, yes, yes example of what (repeating words)
perservation

ADHD is linked to problem in what lobe
Executive functioning, frontal lobe

This diagnosis thinks their thoughts and actions caused something to occur- magical thinking-if look at computer 5 times it will fly
schizotypal

Neologisms
use of made up words

antipsychotic with least weight gain
geodon

Grouping words usually rhyming is known as what association
clang

There is a medication class that is contraindicated when a patient has tics. What is that class of medication?
Stimulants –often used for ADHD

What action do you take if a patient reports being a victim of abuse.
Safety first!
Provide patient with an environment of safety and reassure them of their safety in the clinic/hospital.

If you work inpatient, what do you do before discharging a patient who says they have been abused?
Make sure the patient will be safe.

If you work inpatient, is a safety contract sufficient to determine that you are releasing a patient into a safe home?
No. A safety contract is not enough. The NP has to confirm that the patient is going to be safe for themselves or their environment is safe.

Inpatient–for safety, where should the NP interview the patient and why?
Safety is more important than privacy. In an office with a door open or partially open. The day room would be a breach of confidentiality and a closed door or in their room would give the patient access to harming the NP.

If a child comes into the office with their parents and say they have been abused, what action does the NP take?
interview the child separately from the parents THEN report to CPS

If a child comes into an appointment without their parents and plays with a toy in a sexual way, what action does the NP take?
This makes the NP suspect abuse so initial action is to immediately report to CPS.

What is the cornerstone of building a therapeutic alliance with adolescents?
Confidentiality with the explanation that confidentiality must be broken if they are a danger to self or others

Do we interview adolescents with their parents in the room?
No because the adolescent may have info that they want kept confidential from their parents.

If an adolescent comes in with their parents, do you keep the parents and adolescent together or separate theme?
Separate them and speak to adolescent alone because the adolescent has a right to confidentiality.

Which ethnic group has the highest incidence of suicide and suicide attempts ?
Native American

Native Americans believe in their healing stick. If a staff member tries to take it away, what should the NP do?
Educate the staff member in cultural competency and sensitivity.

If a patient wants a traditional healer to accompany them to an appointment, what does the NP have to do ?
Get consent from the patient and allow the traditional healer to attend as well. With permission from the patient, you can include the healer in the care plan as follow up.

Which labs should be taken before treating for depression or mania?
TSH

What is the normal range of TSH?
0.5-5.0 mu/L

Symptoms of hypothyroidism mimic which mental illness?
Depression

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism mimic which mental illness?
Mania

If TSH is low i.e. 0.4 or lower, what is happening to T4 an T3 and what condition does patient have?
T4 and T3 will be high and patient will have hyperthyroidism

If TSH is high e.g. 7.0, what is happening to T4 an T3 and what condition does patient have?
T4 and T3 will be low and patient will have hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism that can mimic mania? And what are other symptoms?
agitation, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, weight loss.

Other symptoms are heat intolerance and tachycardia

What are symptoms of hypothyroidism that mimic depression? And what are other symptoms?
lethargy, weight gain, decreased libido.

And, cold intolerance

What is the Black Box warning for Depakote?
Pancreatitis

What are physical side effects/ dangers of Depakote (Divalproex)–for patient or fetus
Spina bifida in fetuses
Hepatotoxicity

If a patient taking depakote has signs of hepatotoxicity what would those signs and symptoms be ?
Abdominal pain in upper right quadrant of abdomen
Reddish brown urine
Yellowing of the skin and whites of eyes
Fatigue

If patient taking depakote has signs of hepatotoxicity, what should the NP do?
A liver function test –check AST and ALT levels

Signs of valproic acid toxicity?
Disorientation
lethargy
Respiratory depression
Nausea/vomiting

What action do we take at signs of valproic acid (Divalproex/Depakote) toxicity?
Dc medication and check depakote levels, do a LFT and check ammonia levels

What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis
upper adbominal pain
abdominal pain that radiates to patient’s back

tenderness when touching the abdomen
fever
rapid pulse
nausea
vomiting
oily stools

What in mental illness is Kava (or Kava Kava) used for ?
Kava Calms

anxiety
stress
insomnia

What is the major side effect of Kava? What do we monitor?
Liver damage
We monitor patient for RUQ pain and do LFTs

Kava is contraindicated with which meds/med classes?
Xanax (Alprazolam)
CNS depressants/ sedative medications

Benzos (CLonazepam/Klonopin), (Lorazepam/ Ativan),

phenobarbital (Donnatal)

Zolpidem (Ambien)

Lamictal and weight
Lamictal is the mood stabilizer that causes the least weight gain

Lamictal and rash
Can cause Stevens Johnson

What are the symptoms of Stevens Johnson syndrome?
Body aches, red rash, peeling skin, facial and tongue swelling

Which antipsychotics cause the least weight gain?
ZAL
Ziprasodone (Geodon)
Aripriprazole (Abilify)
Lurasidone (Latuda)

For patients taking antipsychotics that have caused weight gain, what routine labs do we check?
bmi
hip-to-waist ratio
glucose
lipid panel

Non-pharm treatment of antipsychotic induced weight gain (AIWG)–1st line
Exercise and nutritional counseling

This is first line treatment

Pharm intervention for Antipsychotic Induced Weight Gain
Switch to antipsychotic with lower potential for weight gain: ZAL

Black Box Warning for Carbamazepine
agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, Stevens –Johnson syndrome

symptoms of Aplastic anemia
pallor
fatigue
HA
fever
nosebleeds
bleeding gums
skin rash
SOB

If prescribing Carbamazepine for an Asian patient, what gene do you screen for ?
HLA-B* 1502 allele is highly associated with Carbamazepine-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome

ANC level that indicates NP should DC clozapine or Carbamazepine?
An ANC less than 1000 mm3 whether patient is showing signs of infection or not.

What are signs of infection for which we should monitor patients on Clozapine or Carbamazepine to DC it?
Sudden fever
Chills
sore throat
weakness

Lithium and neuroprotection
Lithium is neuroprotective treatment of choice for bipolar disorder– can protect nerve cells from damage.

What is the therapeutic range of Lithium
0.6-1.2 mEq/L

At what Lithium level does lithium toxicity occur?
1.5 mEq/L or higher

Lithium is the gold standard for treating what?
Mania

Lithium and suicide.
Lithium is the only mood stabilizer with evidence of anti-suicidal effects in bipolar

What is the therapeutic range of depakote?
50-125 micrograms (ug/ml)

What is the toxic range of depakote(valproic acid)?
150 microgrms (ug/ml)

Necessary labs for Lithium
TSH
Serum creatinine
BUN
Urinalysis
HCG for females age 12-51

Signs of lithium toxicity
In mild lithium toxicity, symptoms include WATCAD–Weakness, Ataxia, Tremor, Concentration poorness and Diarrhea.

weakness, worsening tremor, mild ataxia, poor concentration and diarrhea.

With worsening toxicity, vomiting, the development of a gross tremor, slurred speech, confusion and lethargy emerge

When to DC Lithium
serum level of 1.3 or 1.4 and signs of Lithium toxicity.

with or without symptoms if 1.5 serum level –toxicity level

If creatinine or BUN are high because Lithium is processed through kidney

Preventative tests when prescribing antipsychotics to women
Take HCG test/ aka pregnancy test before placing any woman on antipsychotic -for females of age 12-51.

If patient has 4+ protein in urine while on lithium what do we do ?
Monitor closely for lithium toxicity

What are side effects of Lithium?
hypothyroidism, ebstein anomaly, and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, fine hand tremors, Maculopapular rash, GI upset(Diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, anorexia), polyuria, polydispsia, T-wave inversions, Leukocytosis (increased WBCs)

What do we do in cases of Lithium toxicity?
DC Li and check serum Li levels

What are some factors that can increase Lithium levels?
Kidney disease or drugs that reduce renal clearance
NSAIDS(ibuprofen, Indocin)
Thiazides (hydrochlorothiazide)
ACE inhibitors
Medications used for cardiac failure (lisinopril)
Dehydration
Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)

What causes Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)?
Antipsychotics

What are the symptoms of Neuroleptic Malignant syndrome (NMS)?
Extreme musclular rigidity
Mutism

Elevated CPK (happens due to muscle contraction and destruction)

Myoglobinuria
Elevated WBCs(leukocytosis)
Elevated LFTs

What is the treatment for NMS?
DC the antipsychotic and treat with:

There are two with different MOAs:

Bromocriptine (Parlodel) which is a Dopamine (2) agonist

Dantrolene which is a Muscle Relaxant

What are the signs of both NMS and serotonin syndrome?
Hyperthermia
Tachycardia
Diaphoresis
Altered level of consciousness

What are the signs of Serotonin Syndrome?
Hyperreflexia
Myoclonic jerks

What causes serotonin syndrome?
SSRIs/SNRIs/TCAs/MAOIs

How do we treat Serotonin Syndrome?
DC the offending agent and treat with

Cyproheptadine

When switching from an SSRI to an MAOI, how long wait before starting the MAOI?
wait 14 days

When switching from fluoxetine (Prozac) to MAOIs how long to wait before starting the MAOI?
5-6 weeks

When switching from an MAOI to Prozac how long wait until start Prozac?
wait 2 weeks

Why the wait times for switching from between SSRIs and MAOIs?
need a washout period of 5 half-lives between cessation of previous drug and introduction of new drug. This is the time it takes for the medication to degenerate out of the system

Due to risk of Serotonin Syndrome, which combination of meds to we avoid?
Combinations of SSRIs and SNRIs or TCAs or MAOIs or St. John’s Wort

If we see “regenerate” in answers related to serotonin, what do you do ?

eliminate. “Regenrate” is wrong answer

Why are SSRIs the 1st line antidepressants used in depression
because they are safer in cases of overdose

Serotonin Syndrome and triptans?
Triptans can cause serotonin syndrome so no triptans (for migraines) or sumatriptan (imitrex)

Which antidepressant to do we give a patient who is depressed and has cancer?
Citalopram or escitalopram because lower incidence of drug-drug interaction.

Which antidepressant to do we give a patient who is depressed and has neuropathic pain?
SNRI or TCA
An SNRI is safer

What do we prescribe for patients in chronic neuropathic pain?
Alpha 2 Delta Ligands= Gabapentin and Pregabalin (Lyrica)

antidepressants and sexual dysfunction
SSRIs/SNRIs can cause sexual dysfunction

Important info about Wellbutrin
NDRIs do not cause sexual dysfunction = Wellbutrin

Patient depressed +Low energy +fatigue give Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin contraindicated in hx of seizures or eating d/o = Wellbutrin increase seizure risk

Black Box Warning on all depressants and responsibiltity of NP
increase thoughts of self-harm in adolescents.

assess for frequency and severity of these thoughts at every visit.

Alcohol and depression
If patient is depressed, assess alcohol intake because some patients use alcohol to self-medicate and this can become a barrier to treatment

Prozac and Insomnia
Prozac can cause insomnia; encourage pt to take Prozac in the morning

Mental illnesses that cause thoughts of self-harm
Depression
bipolar
alcohol abuse
eating disorder
schizophrenia

mental illness most often associated with Homicidal ideation
Antisocial personality disorder

Placebo rate, children, antidepressants
few experimental studies exist that investigate the placebo effect of antidepressants in children and adolescent (When compared to adults, children with depression have a reduced placebo representation in studies but a higher placebo rate).

positive symptoms of schizophrenia
•Hallucination, Delusion, Loose association
•Ideas of reference (paranoia/ paranoid delusions)
•Agitated and bizarre behavior

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia
•Avolition – Asociality (Hygiene, Work)
•Anhedonia – Asociality (Interest, Relationship)
•Blunted affect
•Paucity of thought

age of onset of schizophrenia
18-25 males
25-35 in females

What is going on in brain of a schizophrenic that we see in an MRI/PET scan?
Ventricular enlargement

Everything else is decreasing in size
–Different lobes
–Different parts of limbic system
–Cerebral blood flow

What are the parts of the brain in which abnormalities or changes/deficits cause agression, impulsitivity, and abstract thinking problems in schizophrenia?
prefrontal cortex
amygdala
basal ganglia
hippocampus
limbic regions

Medications for which schizophrenics have a low tolerability so they are not as neuroprotective for schizophrenics as they are for others
Alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist (guanfacine and clonidine)

Why should we not give stimulants to schizophrenics?
Because stimulants can potentiate dopamine release

Non-pharm management of schizophrenia
manualized group therapy and assertive community treatment (ACT)

What is ACT?
ACT is a form of rehabilitation post-hospitalization

If a schizophrenic has a long-term history of non-adherence what may they need for in home care?
Referral to case management team so a nurse can go to their home and administer their medication. And, referral to aerobic exercise program

What level of care is social skills training for a schizophrenic?
Tertiary

How does exercise help schizophrenics?
Improve cognition
Improve quality of life
Improve long term health

A schizophrenic is taking oral Haldol and is at high risk of relapse (multiple hospitalizations), what should we do about administering medication
switch to intramuscular Haldol

Dosing for switching from oral Haldol to Haldol Decanoate
20 X the total daily oral doses=Decanoate dose–example:

5 mg PO BID
LAI–20 X 10 mg = 200 mg

What is the dose limit of LAI Haldol that can be given in one week?
100 mg
If they need 200 mg then give 100 mg on day one and come back in 5-7 days for another 100 mg;

same for 300 mg= 100 mg day one
5-7 days for second 100 mg
and 5-7 days for third 100 mg

What is a delusion?
Firm belief maintained despite evidence to the contrary.

If doing a MSE of preschooler(3-5y/o), what is the most important approach to
listen and observe cues—depends on clinical observation

Components of a Mental Status Exam–what do you assess with thought process assessment?
Assess the organization of the patient’s thoughts and ideas.

Components of a Mental Status Exam–what do you assess with thought content assessment?
Refers to the themes that occupy the patient’s thoughts and perceptual disturbances. Ex:
Suicidal ideations
homicidal ideations
SI or HI plan
visual hallucinations
auditory hallucinations

Mental status exam–when evaluating thought process or thought content, what are we evaluating? Are we evaluating organization of speech?
We are evaluting thoughts and ideas

NO, we are not evaluating organization of speech

The Folstein Mini Mental Status Examination is used with which population and for what ?
Adults–to assess cognitive decline

What are some important components of the mini-mental status examination
Concentration/attention/ calculation–examples: count backward from 100 by 7s

Orientation: Year, season, date, day, month, country, town, hospital, floor

Registration/ability to learn new material: say names of three unrelated objects clearly and slolwy, ask patient to repeat immediately

Recall (memory): Ask patient if they can recall the three object words previously asked to remember 5 minutes after introducing the object words

Fund of knowledge: Who is president/govenor

What is the purpose of the Clock drawing test ?
Very quick way to screen for possible dementia– takes 1-2 minutes to complete

If there are impairments on the CDT (Clock Drawing Test), which part of the brain may be damaged?
right parietal lobe i.e. the right hemisphere of the brains

What makes an antipsychotic atypical?
Atypical antipsychotics have both dopamine and 5HT2A receptor antagonism

Lower chance of EPS syndromes

Which type of antipsychotic for first psychotic episode?
Atypical antipsychotic that can be administered IM like Invegga, Geodon or Abilify.

Dopamine Pathway: Mesocortical pathway relationship between dopamine and schizophrenic symptoms
Meso–not major depression but meso depression + other negative symptoms
decreased dopamine in the mesocortical pathway is thought to be responsible for negative and depressive symptoms of schizophrenia

Nigrostriatal pathway of brain controls what ?
Nigrostriatal pathway mediates motor movements

Dopamine blockade in this pathway can lead to increase acetylcholine levels–increase salivation, teary eyes, diarrhea

Dopamine Pathway: Nigrostriatal pathway relationship between dopamine and EPS
Blockade of dopamine receptors in the nigrostriatal pathways can lead to EPs e.g. acute dystonia, parkinsonism, and akathisia

Long standing D2 blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway can lead to Tardive Dyskinesia.

Neurotransmitters and EPS
Increased acetylcholine and decreased dopamine can cause EPS’

EPS and metoclopramide
Metoclopramide (Reglan) can cause EPS like Tardive dyskinesia and parkinsonism

How do you treat EPS except Tardive Dyskinesia?
Benztropine

How do we treat Tardive Dyskinesia?
stop/decrease meds, switch to new anti psych that doesn’t cause tardive dyskinesia (possibly clozapine)

Dopamine Pathway: Tuberoinfundibular pathway relationship between dopamine and physical symptoms
Blockade of D2 receptors in this pathway can lead to increased prolactin levels leading to hyperprolactinemia which clinically manifests as amenorrhea, galactorrhea (Risperidone), sexual dysfunction, and gynecomastia.

Long term hyperprolactinemia can be associated with osteoporosis.

Normal prolactin levels
Men–less than 20 ng/ml
Women — less than 25 ng/ml

impact of Cytocrome P450 enzyme CYP1A2 inducers on drugs metabolized on the pathway
decrease serum levels of drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2 enzymes which causes subtherapeutic drug levels

impact of Cytocrome P450 enzyme CYP1A2 inhibitors on drugs metabolized on the pathway
Increase serum levels possibly causing toxic levels of drug

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and Clozapine are both metabolized on which enzyme?
Cytochrome P450 Enzyme CYP1A2

If a patient on olanzapine or clozapine stops smoking what do we do with the dose
Decrease the dose because smoking is an inducer and it is no longer decreasing the serum levels of the drug.

Which are more worrisome? Inhibitors or Inducers?
Inhibitors because they can cause toxic levels of a drug in the body.

Is Tegretol(carbamazapine) an Inducer or Inhibitor ?
Inducer

Are clarithromycin and erithromycin inducers or inhibitors?
Inhibitors

If a patient is taking tegretol (carbamazapine) and clarithromycin, tegretol an inducer and clarithromycin an inhibitor, what should an NP do?
Decrease the tegretol (carbamazapine) to avoid the inhibitors causing a toxic level of tegretol in the blood

Medications that cause mania
Steroids
Disulfram (Antabuse)
Isoniazid(INH)
Antidepressants in persons with bipolar

Medications that cause depression
Steroids
Beta blockeres
Interferon
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Some retroviral drugs
Antineoplastic drugs
benzodiazepines
progesterone

Steroids and psychosis
Steroids can cause psychosis

Are flonase and prednisone steroids?
Yes

When taking medications that cause mania and depression, how do you dose the antidepresant or antipsychotic?
Increase the dose.

Neurotransmitters involved in addiction
Dopamine and GABA

What causes pain in anorexics after eating?
Delayed gastric emptying

medications that can delay gastric emptying
Ranitidine–Antihistamine and Antacid
Famotidine–Antihistamine and Antacid
Omeprazole–proton pump inhibitor

If a med decreases the absorption of psychotropic medications, what is the best way to take it?
Take 2 hours apart

Some medications that decrease absorption of psychotropics?
Antacids
PPIs like Protonix, Omeprazole

If a patient aged 65+ is given SSRIs, for what should we monitor them?
monitor for increased anxiety

What is a paradoxical effect of a medication?
when medication causes opposite effect for which is was prescribed. Avoid giving in the future

Heart issues and Geodon and Citalopram
Geodon and Citalopram can cause QT prolongation

What is the maximum recommended dosage per day for Citalopram?
40 mg
for those 65+– 20 mg

What is the greatest risk factor for bipolar
multigenerational bipolar

If a person’s first bipolar episode is after the age of 45, what is the likely cause?
A medical condition like a stroke

What are the symptoms of Mania?
Distractability
Insomnia
Grandiosity
Flight of ideas
Agitation/Activity increase
Sexual indiscretions (or other pleasurable activity)
Talkativeness
DIG FAST

What is apoptosis
programmed cell death

Primary symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
self-harming behavior
recurrent suicidal behavior

What is the only treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder?
DBT–decreases suicidality in Borderlines

Who created DBT?
Marsha Linehan

What is the diagnostic process for borderline
use their journals/diaries to help diagnose borderlines

Medication for a pateint with borderline presenting with irritability, anger and self-harming behavior
Lithium

Specific Medication for a patient with borderline presenting with depressed mood, emotional lability, interpersonal problems, rejection sensitivity, aggresion, hostility
Depakote

What is conversion disorder?
a mental condition–usually begining suddenly after a stressful experience– in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained by medical evaluation

Treatment is therapy

What is an adjustment disorder?
An unhealthy or excessive response to an event or change within 3 months of it happening

What are symptoms of adjustment disorder
with depressed mood — feelings of sadness, decreased interest, sleep disturbance, appetite changes

with mixed disturbance of emotion and conduct — A child has a mix of symptoms from anxiety, depression and conduct dysfunction–possible peer conflict, verbal altercations, insomnia, frequent crying

Differentiation between Adjustment disorder and MDD
Adjustment disorder has a specific cause.

How do we treat Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Family therapy with emphasis on child management skills; teaching parents about positive reinforcement and boundary settings.

Child and parent problem-solving skills training

In ODD therapy, if no parenting skills are developed, what can ODD turn into
Conduct Disorder

What are key symptoms of conduct disorder
Aggression toward people or animals and property.

Lack of remorse for ill deeds done

Pharmacological treatment for conduct disorder
Targets mood and aggression–treat with antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, SSRIs and alpha agonists (Clonidine and guanfacine)

Diagnosing Tourette Syndrome
At least 2 motor tics and at least 1 vocal tic have been present, not necessarily at the same time–for more than a year

Tics are not caused by using a subtance or other medical condition

When children have motor tics are they rare and permanent ?
No. Children’s tics are common and often temporary

Primary neurotransmitter involved in Tourette Syndrome
Dopamine, Norepinephrine, serotonin (DNS)

Hyperactivity of Dopaminergic systems in brain can lead to Tourette’s

Pharmacological treatment of Tourette Syndrome
Clonidine (Catapres or Kapvay) or Guanfacine (Intuniv)

What is acute stress disorder?
Psychiatric diagnosis that may occur in patients within 4 weeks after a traumatic event Features include anxiety, insomnia, re-experiencing, avoidance behaviors–basically PTSD symptoms but duration of symptoms is less than a month. (PTSD has to last at least one month)

What are hallmark symptoms of PTSD?
Intrusive re-experiencing
Increased arousal (hyperarousal)
Avoidance of stimuli associated with trauma

Pharmacological management of PTSD
SSRIs, TCAs, Prazosin for nightmares

Non-Pharmacological management of PTSD
EMDR (preferred over CBT)
CBT

What are the phases of EMDR?
Desensitization phase
Installation phase
body scan phase

Which parts of the brain are affected in ADHD?
Frontal cortex
Basal ganglia
Abnormalities in prefrontal cortex–inattentive
Abnormalities of reticular activating system

ADHD — age amphetamines are approved for
children age 3 to adult

Heart and ADHD meds
Assess cardiac hx before beginning stimulants.

There can be elevated heart rate and BP; increase risk of heart attack and stroke

ADHD — age methylphenidate are approved for
children age 6 to adult

ADHD– what does the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex control?
Executive function
Cognitive process such as planning, working memory
Problem solving
How to direct and maintain attention to a task

Signs of stimulant abuse
Insomnia
Tremors
Increased BP
Heart palpitations

ADHD–If patient starts having symptoms again during the day, what does that indicate; what should be done?
Medication has been cleared by the body; consider an extended release dose.

If parent is anxious or scared of child starting stimulants what should be done?
address their anxiety—give them some support before continuing with psychoedcation

What is OCD?
Presence of anxiety-provoking obsessions (recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images) or compulsions (for example motor tics) that function to reduce the person’s subjective anxiety level

Which autoimmune illness should be considered with sudden onset OCD symptoms in children?
PANDAS–Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.

Differentiate OCD from Tourettes
Tourettes= tics only

OCD = intrusive/ persistent thoughts and tics

Factitious disorder
Condition in which a person presents with physical or mental illness symptoms that are induced.

Malingering
symptoms are faked for secodary gain such as avoiding work or prison

factitious disorder imposed on another
a condition in which one person induces illness symptoms in someone else

Reactive Attachment Disorder
product of severely dysfunctional early relationships between principle caregiver and child —- results when caregiver disregards child’s physical/emotional needs–> behavioral/interpersonal problems later in life (fearful/inhibited/withdrawn/apathetic/shows no emotion towards caregivers/ disruptive/disorganized)

GAD (general anxiety disorder)
excessive worry for at least 6 months

Panic Attack
surge of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes as well as a sense of impending doom

Panic Disorder
diagnosis given when patient experiences recurrent panic attacks without apparent triggers

SSRIs for treatment of panic disorder
fluoxetine
Paroxetine
Sertraline
Venlafaxine

Definition and Symptoms of DMDD (disruptive mood dysregulation disorder)
Childhood (<18) depressive disorder that includes
Chronic dysregulated mood (“moody”)
Frequent intense temper outburts/temper tantrums
Severe irritability
Anger

Treatment for panic attacks
Betablocker like propranolol.

Contraindications for propranolol
Can cause bronchospasms so contraindicated in patients using bronchodilators like albuterol

Anorexia Nervosa symptoms
Low BMI (<15)
Amenorrhea
Emaciation
Bradycardia
Hypotension

Action if Anorexic with BMI less than 15?
Refer for hospitalization. If parent refuses, report to CPS

BMI of bulimia nervosa
Usually in normal range

What is the non-pharm treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

  1. Family therapy, with emphasis on child management skills;
  2. teaching parents about positive reinforcement and boundary settings
  3. Child and parent problem-solving training

If no parenting skills are developed what can ODD develop into?
CD-conduct disorder

What are the primary symptoms of Conduct disorder
Aggression towards human and animals and lack of remorse

What is the pharm treatment for conduct disorder?
Meds that target mood and aggression:

  1. antipsychotics
  2. mood stabilizers
  3. SSRIs
  4. alpha agonists (Clonidine and guanfacine)

What are the defining symptoms of Tourette Syndrome/Disorder

  1. At least 2 motor tics and at least 1 vocal tic
  2. Tics are not caused by a substance or other medical conditions

What is the expected permanence of children’s motor tics?
They are fairly common and can be temporary.

What are the primary neurotransmitters involved in tourette’s syndrome?
DNS= Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Serotonin

Hyperactivity of Dopaminergic systems in the brain can lead to Tourette’s

What is the primary pharm treatment for Tourette’s
Clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay)
Guanfacine (Intuniv)

What are secondary pharm treatments for Tourette’s ?
Atypical Antipsychotic
Haldol, Pimozide, Aripiprazole

DSM-5 of Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder occurs within 4 weeks of traumatic event.

Features include anxiety, insomnia, poor concentration, intense fear or helplessness, re-experiencing the event and avoidance behaviors–

It presents as PTSD but the onset of symptoms is less than PTSD

What is the minimum length of time that PTSD has to last?
One month

Hallmark symptoms of PTSD
Intrusive re-experiencing
Increased arousal
Avoidance of stimuli associated with the trumatic event

What is the pharm management of PTSD?
Prazosin for nightmares
SSRIs
TCAs

What is primary important non-pharm treatment for PTSD?
EMDR

What are the different Non-pharm treatments for PTSD?
EMDR

CBT

What are the parts of the brain involved in ADHD?
BAFaP

Basal ganglia

Abnormalities in reticular activating system

Frontal cortex

abnormalities in the Prefrontal cortex–inattentive type

Cardiology and ADHD stimulant
Assess cardiac history before placing patient on stimulants as they can cause elevated heart rate and bP and increase risk of Heart attack and stroke

If history or family hx of cardiac issues, get an ECG before starting.

What are the ages for amphetamines?
3 and up

what are the ages for methylphenidate?
Ages 6 and older

What are the ages for Alpha agonist or alpha 2 adrenergic receptors agonist?
Age 6 and up

What are the ages for Strattera?
Ages 6 and up

Which aspect of ADHD does the Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex control?
Executive function

Signs of Stimulant Abuse
Insomnia
tremors
increased blood pressure and HR
Heart palpitations

If a patient is having ADHD symptoms during the day after having taken their stiumlant, what does that indicate and what should we do?
Indicates the medication has been cleared by the body

We should consider an extended release

What to do if parent is really anxious or scared about Medication for their kid?
Address their anxiety–support them then continue with psychoeducation

Differentiate OCD from Tourettes
OCD–intrusive/persistent thoughts and tics

Tourettes: Tics only

Symptoms of OCD
presence of anxiety provoking obsessions–recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images or compulsions for example motor tics that funtion to reduce the person’s subjective anxiety level

What does PANDAS stand for and which mental illness’ acute onset may be an indication of having PANDAS?
Should be considered in all children with sudden onset OCD symptoms

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections

Malingering
Deliberate faking of a physical or psychological disorder motivated by secondary gain.

factitious disorder
Condition in which a person does things to make themselves sick when they are not organically sick

Reactive Attachment Disorder
in children, a pattern of inhibited, withdrawn, apathetic behavior toward adult caregivers and show no emotion towards caregivers.
The product of a severely dysfuntional early relationship between the principal caregiver and the child

GAD
General Anxiety Disorder:
excessive worry for at least 6 months

Panic Attack
Abrupt surge of intense fear of discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes; a variety of psychological and physical symptoms including a sense of impending doom

Panic Disorder
Patient experiences recurrent unexpected panic attacks

Treatment for Panic disorder
Fluoxetine
Paroxetine
sertraline

SNRI–venlafaxine

Beta Blocker–this manages the elevated BP that occurs with a panic attack

Can also give benzos which aren’t as safe

Beta blockers can cause bronchospasms so they are contraindicated with
bronchodilators like albuterol

DMDD–Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
Childhood depressive and mood disorder–diagnosis age 6-17

Chronic dysregulated mood
Frequent intense temper outbursts/ temper tantrums

Hallmark symptoms of Anorexia Nervosa
Low BMI (15 or less than 15)

Amenorrhea
Emaciation
Bradycardia
Hypotension

BMI for Bulimia Nervosa
BMI usually in normal range

if a patient has an irritable, depressed, labile mood, what is the first thing we should do ?
Administer the mood questionnaire

When should we assess for nightmare disorder?
if pt reports a nightmare and parents or other family members have nightmares

Which neurotransmitters are affected in autism?
Glutamate, GABA, Serotonin

What are the symptoms of autism?
Persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction
No response when called by name
Nonverbal communication
Little or no eye contact
often like to line up, stack, or organize objects and toys in long, tidy rows

Broken mirror theory of autism
Claims that dysfunction of the mirror neuron system may be the cause of poor social interaction and cognition

If delirium is caused by ETOH or substance abuse what treatment can we give patient?
Benzos

What are often the causes of delirium in older people and what should we test them for?
Infections
We should do a urinalysis with culture and sensitivity

Dementia and which vitamins levels should be checked
Progressive mental decline; personality changes occur, irritability
Check Vit B12 and Folic Acid levels

Differentiating between depression and dementia
with depression it is acute onset of memory problems like happening over 5 months.

Also, in combination with memory issues, they have depression issues.
“I do not know” responses are commonly depression. In dementia, patient often confabulates answers–will not say “I do not know”

Dementia memory decline happens over time i.e. over 12 months or longer

Pseudodementia
Primary diagnosis is depression
acute onset of memory problems like happening over 5 months

Which parts of the brain are involved in Dementia
subcortical–motor symptoms: lack of coordination, tremors, ataxia, dystonia

Cortical: Language (aphasia) and memory impairments

Early signs of HIV dementia
Cognitive decline
motor abnormalities
behavioral abnormalities

Lewy Body Disease symptom of importance for the test
Presents with recurrent visual hallucinations

Pick’s disease
AKA frontotemporal dementia/frontal lobe dementia

Personality, behavioral, and language changes (slurred) in early stage

What meds treat HIV dementia?
Antiretrovirals

if patient has history of high risk behavior and HIV dementia symptoms, what should we do?
give them an HIV test

Pharm treatment of psychosis and agitation in dementia?
atypical antipsychotics

What does the amygdala control?
aggression
fear
anxiety
emotions

What does the Hippocampus control?
emotions
stress
learning
memory

What does dopamine produced in the substantia nigra regulate?
motor movements

If you are taking care of a terminal infant what do you do with the parents?
give infant to parents and allow them to grieve for their loss

How should we speak of and refer about grief to children
Normalize grief and loss in children—psychoeducation on grief responses; group therapy
Grief responses vary so do not tell a patient or family how they should grieve

What is the most important factor in children’s healing from grief?
an intact family so they can adapt easily

mood disorder neurotransmitters
DNS (dopamine, nor, serotonin+ GABA+ Glutamate )

What are most important risk factors for osteoporosis?
Smoking
Caffeine
Lack of weight bearing exercises
Lack of dietary calcium and vitamin D

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