RNSG 2213 - Exam 2 Study Guide.

RNSG 2213 - Exam 2 Study Guide/RNSG 2213 - Exam 2 Study Guide. Psychopharmacology (Ch. 2) Review all BBW in chapter Principles that guide the use of medication include: effect on the client’s target symptoms, adequate dosage for sufficient time, lowest dose needed for maintenance, lower doses for the elderly [also may take longer for a drug to achieve its full therapeutic effect], tapering rather than abrupt cessation to avoid rebound [temporary return of symptoms] or withdrawal [new symptoms resulting from discontinuation of the drug], follow-up care is essential [to ensure compliance], simplify the regimen for increased compliance. Efficacy: refers to the maximal therapeutic effect that a drug can achieve. (o2 #23-Nurse is instructing a pt on taking lithium for bipolar. the pt will need to have blood draws q 2-3 days initially to determine what? Efficacy) Potency: describes the amount of the drug needed to achieve that maximum effect; low potency drugs require higher doses to achieve efficacy; high-potency drugs require lower doses to achieve efficacy