When asked how tricyclic antidepressants affect neurotransmitter ...

[appyboo]

When asked how tricyclic antidepressants affect neurotransmitter activity, the nurse should respond that they:
 
  a. Decrease available dopamine.
  b. Increase availability of norepinephrine and serotonin.
  c. Make available increased amounts of monoamine oxidase.
  d. Increase the effects of the chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Question 2

When the nurse realizes that a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is not taking the pre-scribed oral haloperidol (Haldol), which intervention would promote medication compli-ance?
 
  a. Instructing the patient to have friends monitor his medications
  b. Beginning administration of haloperidol (Haldol) decanoate
  c. Writing instructions in detail for the patient to follow
  d. Changing haloperidol to an atypical antipsychotic

[FergA]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Tricyclic antidepressants block neurotransmitter uptake, increasing the amounts of norepi-nephrine and serotonin available. Decreasing dopamine is the action of typical antipsychotic medication. Increasing monoamine oxidase is not the action of tricyclics. Benzodiazepines, not tricyclics, increase the effects of GABA.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Haloperidol decanoate is a depot medication, given intramuscularly every 2 to 4 weeks. It is unknown whether the patient has a support system. The patient probably received education, including written instructions prior to discharge. Changing to another classification of medi-cation would not necessarily improve compliance.

[appyboo]

Great answer, keep it coming

[bdobbins]

Excellent