Implementing and Monitoring Nursing Care for Mental Health Conditions

This assignment solution addresses the implementation and monitoring of nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions. The solution includes two key questions. The first question focuses on how to communicate with the patient's wife about the prescribed PRN medication (Risperidone 0.5mg) and how to effectively communicate with the patient, emphasizing the importance of slow, clear communication and patience. The second question discusses the classification of Risperidone as an antipsychotic drug, its use in treating behavioral disturbances in dementia, and potential side effects like insomnia, dizziness, and fatigue. The solution also outlines the administration of Risperidone in tablet or liquid form and references relevant sources like Alzheimer's Australia and the Alzheimer's Society to support the information provided. The assignment emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care and understanding the challenges faced by individuals with dementia.

Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions 1
Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions
Student's Name:
Instructor's Name:
Date:

Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions 2
1. His wife (Mrs. Lusk) visits daily. In 200 words, what can you tell her about the PRN
medication that Philip has been prescribed, and how she can effectively communicate with
him?
Answer:
PRN medications are given only as and when required. The PRN or Pro re nato medication,
prescribed for Philip is a mild dose of Risperidone (0.5 mg). This medication is given to control
the agitation symptoms that Philip seems to experience sometimes, when he finds it difficult to
respond to the fellow residents. The PRN medications, are given to the patient only under
conditions as specified by the written instructions (Davy, 2012). Risperidone is being prescribed
and given to Philip (whenever it is necessary) since he cannot communicate well the symptoms
such as pain or anxiety that he is facing (since he cannot communicate well) and also to ensure
his agitation is controlled.
As for communicating with Philip, it is essential to understand that people with dementia find too
hard to communicate normally. Hence, speaking slowly, and distinctly will allow them to
comprehend what is being communicated. Also, keeping your body relaxed, to ensure no stress
or pressure is showing will also keep Philip happy, and well enough to respond. It is essential to
make eye contact while speaking, and to wait patiently for Philip to respond to your question. It
might take a while for Philip to answer or he may not be able to answer coherently (Alzheimer's
Society, 2016). However, do not pressurize him to talk, if he is not willing to communicate.
Rephrase questions, to make it simple, or use other means of communication, if they do not
understand your way of questioning.

Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions 3
2. In 200 words describe the classification of this medication and the possible side effects of
this medication. Also describe how you can administer this to him.
Answer:
Risperidone is an antipsychotic drug, which interferes with the communication system present
between the nerves (neurotransmitters), and thereby calming the psychotic effect (Ogbru, 2015).
Risperidone is used in the treatment of bipolar depression, schizophrenia, and also in dementia.
The use of Risperidone for dementia is done to treat the behavioural disturbances such as
aggression, as seen in the case of Philip. Although the use of antipsychotic medications is a
second line of treatment in the case of dementia, it is used here only as a PRN to control the
adverse reactions encountered in Philip (Alzheimer's Australia, 2006).
Philip might encounter one of these symptoms (side-effects), when administered with
Risperidone.
a. Insomnia
b. Dizziness
c. Hyperactivity
d. Headache
e. Fatigue and drowsiness
f. Fever
Not everyone faces all symptoms, and some may not encounter any of the above mentioned side
effects at all. However, it is advisable to check the allergic symptoms before prescribing.

Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions 4
Risperidone comes both as tablets and liquid, to be administered orally. Since Philip might
require it as a PRN, and only in case of over-agitation, it can be done as tablets or as a liquid,
with the use of measurable syringe. It can be taken with or without food. However, the liquid
medicine should not be mixed with anything else, such as a soft drink or beverages such as tea
("Risperdal: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects", n.d.).

Implement and monitor nursing care for consumers with mental health conditions 5
References
Alzheimer's Australia (2006). Risperidone for treatment of behavioural symptoms in dementia.
Retrieved from https://www.fightdementia.org.au/files/helpsheets/Helpsheet-
DementiaQandA05-Risperidone_english.pdf
Alzheimer's Society (2016). Communicating and language. Retrieved from
www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20064/symptoms/90/communicating_and_language.
Davy, J. (2012). As-Needed medication in dementia care. Retrieved from
http://www.investigage.com/2012/03/07/as-needed-medication-in-dementia-care/
NHS, U.K. (2017). Communicating with people with dementia - Dementia guide. Retrieved
from http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dementia-guide/Pages/dementia-and-
communication.aspx
Ogbru, P. O. (2015). Risperidone, Risperdal; Risperdal Consta: Drug Facts, Side Effects and
Dosing. Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/risperidone/article.htm
Risperdal: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.drugs.com/risperdal.html