Psychotropic medications. Nursing implications.

The purpose of this article has been to bring together selected critical information for the nurse to use in developing a plan of care for each individual patient in regard to psychotropic medications. The important considerations to keep in mind during assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation have been discussed, with implications for the nurse in terms of her contribution to the treatment team's planning and evaluation of psychotropic drug therapy. In addition, patient education responsibilities have been addressed. The nurse is in a pivotal position to contribute significantly to the therapeutic effectiveness of each psychotropic medication treatment plan.