Final answer:
When administering antipsychotics, it is crucial to monitor for side effects related to the central nervous system, cardiovascular health, and movement disorders, as well as maintain pharmacovigilance for long-term safety and efficacy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When administering antipsychotics, there are several key factors that need to be monitored to ensure the safety and well-being of the patient. Medications such as risperidone (Risperdal), which antagonize D2 and serotonin type 2 receptors, and others that may also interact with adrenergic and histaminergic H1 receptors, can have various effects on patients that need careful observation.
- Monitoring for side effects such as drowsiness, and any signs of movement disorders or Parkinson's disease-like symptoms is important due to the dopamine-blocking properties of these drugs.
- Observing the patient's blood pressure is essential since some antipsychotic medications can influence cardiovascular function.
- Pharmacovigilance is critical to assess long-term safety and drug effects in specific subgroups of patients, ensuring that any adverse reactions are swiftly identified and managed.
Managing side effects is crucial in the therapeutic use of antipsychotics to treat psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder which are associated with dopamine neurotransmission irregularities.