Nursing Care of Clients Treated with Atypical Antipsychotics Who Have a Risk of Developing Metabolic Instability and/or Type 2 Diabetes
published online 07 August 2009.
Objective
The aim of this article is to present a current discussion related to the nursing care of clients treated with atypical antipsychotic medicines and who have a risk of developing metabolic instability and/or Type 2 diabetes. The importance of such a discussion is to provide both the novice and the experienced nurse with additional knowledge of this current health issue with which to inform their nursing practice.
Discussion
The potential for psychosis to be a chronic condition is very high, and often people require antipsychotic medicine for lengthy periods throughout their lives. Sometimes, treatment is for life. The second generation of antipsychotic medicines was greeted with much enthusiasm since it was better tolerated than the first generation. However, each medication has desired and adverse effects and, when taken for lengthy periods, these effects may produce physical illness. Studies show that the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in clients with a chronic psychiatric disorder, particularly schizophrenia.
Conclusions
Metabolic instability, especially weight gain, is associated with some psychotropic medicines. Nursing interventions need to include care assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation for clients treated with antipsychotic medicines in terms of risk minimization strategies in routine nursing care.
Centre for Nursing Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
School of Nursing, Deakin University, Melbourne Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
School of Nursing, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Corresponding Author: Karen-leigh Edward, RN, PhD, Centre for Nursing Research, Australian Catholic University, P.O. Box 2900, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Victoria 3065, Australia.
ABSTRACT