Chapter 6: Biopsychosocial and Pharmacological Assessment Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the purpose of a biopsychosocial assessment?
To evaluate the biological, psychological, and social factors influencing a patient’s health and behavior.
What does a Review of Systems (ROS) involve in a physical exam?
A systematic review of each body system to identify any symptoms or abnormalities.
Why is a comprehensive medical history important in psychopharmacological assessment?
It helps identify conditions or medications that may affect mental health or interact with psychotropic drugs.
What is therapeutic drug monitoring?
The measurement of drug levels in the blood to ensure efficacy and avoid toxicity.
What is the significance of CYP450 enzymes in drug metabolism?
These liver enzymes metabolize most drugs, and variations can affect drug efficacy and risk of side effects.
How are drug-drug interactions assessed in pharmacological monitoring?
By reviewing the patient’s medication regimen for potential interactions that could alter drug effectiveness or safety.
What is the importance of monitoring vital signs during psychotropic medication use?
Vital signs like blood pressure and heart rate can reveal adverse effects of medications.
How is a mental status exam (MSE) used in assessment?
To evaluate a patient’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
What are common side effects monitored for with antidepressants?
Nausea, weight changes, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction.
What is a cranial nerve exam, and why is it important in biopsychosocial assessments?
It assesses the function of cranial nerves, which can indicate neurological conditions affecting mental health.
How does the length of drug detection vary in urine testing?
Different substances have specific timeframes for detection, depending on their half-lives and metabolism.
What is the role of the Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP) in psychopharmacology?
It measures electrolytes, kidney function, and glucose levels to identify metabolic effects of psychotropic drugs.
Why are comprehensive metabolic panels (CMPs) often used in monitoring psychotropic medications?
To assess liver function and other metabolic processes that could be affected by medication use.
What is the purpose of an informed consent process in psychopharmacological treatment?
To ensure patients understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives to medication.
What are some key physical signs of adverse drug reactions?
Rash, jaundice, abnormal heart rhythms, and gastrointestinal distress.
Why is weight monitoring important when prescribing antipsychotics?
Some antipsychotics are associated with significant weight gain and metabolic syndrome.
What is the importance of documenting medication adherence in treatment?
Non-adherence can lead to treatment failure, relapse, or misinterpretation of medication efficacy.
How are risk factors for overdose assessed in pharmacological monitoring?
By evaluating the patient’s history, current medication regimen, and potential for misuse.
What is the role of family history in pharmacological assessment?
It helps identify genetic predispositions to mental health conditions or drug responses.
Why are blood tests critical in lithium monitoring?
To ensure therapeutic levels and prevent toxicity, which can cause serious side effects like kidney damage.
What are ‘critical drug values,’ and why are they significant in overdose situations?
They are drug concentration thresholds that indicate potentially life-threatening toxicity.
What is the purpose of neuroimaging in pharmacological assessment?
To detect structural or functional brain abnormalities that may influence treatment decisions.
Why is a psychosocial evaluation important before prescribing psychotropics?
It identifies environmental, interpersonal, and psychological factors that may affect treatment outcomes.
How can patient education improve pharmacological treatment adherence?
By ensuring patients understand the importance of taking medications as prescribed and managing side effects.
