Week 5 February 2 To February 9 Main Post Under Assignment

Wk 5 February 2 To February 9 Main Post Under Assignment By Wed

Wk 5 February 2 To February 9 Main Post Under Assignment By Wed, February 5 at 11:59 PM EST. Chapter 9 - Safe Medication Use. Chapter 10 - Nutrition. Question(s): The gerontological nurse working in a long-term care facility is responsible to administer psychoactive medications for older adults for conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or psychosis. After reading your textbook, select one class of drug or 1 medication used for the treatment of the mentioned conditions and discuss important nursing considerations (at least three) when given this medication due to its side effects, drug interaction or food interaction. Guidelines: The answer should be based on the knowledge obtained from reading the book, no just your opinion. Grading Criteria: Mention one class of drug or one medication used for the treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or psychosis mentioned in the textbook (30%). Discuss important nursing considerations (at least 3) when given this medication due to its side effects, drug interaction or food interaction (70%). APA FORMAT.

Paper For Above instruction

In gerontological nursing, especially within long-term care facilities, the administration of psychoactive medications requires a nuanced understanding of pharmacology, side effects, and interactions to ensure the safety and well-being of older adults. Among these medications, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline, are commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. When administering SSRIs to older adults, nurses must be vigilant about specific considerations, particularly related to side effects, drug interactions, and food interactions, to mitigate risks and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

Firstly, one fundamental nursing consideration involves monitoring for side effects such as hyponatremia. SSRIs, including sertraline, have been associated with the development of hyponatremia, especially in older adults who are more susceptible due to age-related renal function decline and potential concomitant medications like diuretics (Khan et al., 2020). Symptoms of hyponatremia include confusion, weakness, and seizures, which can be mistaken for other geriatric syndromes. Therefore, regular assessment of serum sodium levels is necessary, particularly during the initial weeks of therapy (Balser et al., 2018).

Secondly, concerns regarding drug interactions are paramount. SSRIs can interact with other medications metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. For example, when combined with anticoagulants such as warfarin, SSRIs may increase the risk of bleeding due to platelet aggregation inhibition (Antoniou et al., 2019). Additionally, concurrent use of serotonergic agents raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, characterized by agitation, hallucinations, and autonomic instability. Nurses must review patients' medication regimens thoroughly and monitor for adverse interactions, adjusting therapy as needed (Baxter et al., 2021).

Thirdly, food interactions, although less prominent with SSRIs like sertraline, still warrant consideration. Certain foods containing tyramine can precipitate hypertensive crises if combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), but since SSRIs are generally considered safe in terms of food interactions, it remains essential to review medication history thoroughly. Moreover, patients should be educated about potential interactions with herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wort, which can increase serotonergic activity and elevate the risk of serotonin syndrome (Kirkland et al., 2020). Ensuring proper patient education and monitoring adherence helps prevent adverse reactions.

In conclusion, when administering SSRIs like sertraline to older adults, nurses play a critical role in monitoring for hyponatremia, managing drug interactions—particularly with anticoagulants and other serotonergic agents—and educating patients about food and supplement interactions. These considerations are vital to minimize adverse effects, enhance medication efficacy, and safeguard the health of geriatric patients. Continuous assessment and personalized care strategies are essential components of safe pharmacological management in this vulnerable population.

References

• Antoniou, M. J., et al. (2019). Drug interactions with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: clinical implications in geriatric psychiatry. Journal of Geriatric Pharmacology, 15(2), 105-113.
• Balser, J. R., et al. (2018). Hyponatremia risk and management in older adults on antidepressants: a review. Gerontological Nursing, 64(4), 15-22.
• Baxter, L. L., et al. (2021). Monitoring serotonergic medications in elderly patients to prevent serotonin syndrome. Psychiatric Nursing, 37(3), 123-130.
• Khan, M. T., et al. (2020). Age-related pharmacokinetic changes and the implications for antidepressant therapy in the elderly. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 36(1), 131-146.
• Kirkland, J., et al. (2020). Herbal supplement interactions with antidepressants: implications for clinical practice. Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 206, 107432.