Antianxiety medications fall into the same category as above if used p.r.n. No additional monitoring is required beyond what is normally provided for as-needed drugs. If the medication is used routinely, the resident only need be diagnosed as having an anxiety or panic disorder. With these, side effects should be charted on the behavior monitoring sheet. Without an appropriate diagnosis, a target behavior must be charted.
Antipsychotic drugs are the most regulated group.
I recommend they not be used p.r.n. unless used in conjunction with a scheduled dose of the same, or a similar, medication. I provide a list of the OBRA-approved diagnoses as well as the names of commonly prescribed antipsychotics and appropriate versus inappropriate target behaviors as a handout. If the resident has an acceptable diagnosis, nursing must only chart side effects-a target behavior is not needed. I recommend the standard behavior monitoring sheet be used to chart side effects in this instance. If the resident does not have an approved diagnosis, nursing staff must chart side effects and a target behavior.