We have all heard about hypertension being the silent killer, but what about the use of “first-generation” or “typical” antipsychotic medications?
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that geriatric patients receiving these medications were significantly more likely to experience death or cardiopulmonary arrest compared to people who did not take these drugs!
Unfortunately, many times a resident is transferred to acute care for evaluation and presents with delirium.
The use of antipsychotic medications is common for the treatment of delirium, although studies have shown that they should be used with extreme caution. Click To TweetThus another reason we should be using these medications less and with extreme caution. Our residents depend on our ability to provide care that meets the current standards. Might be time to take a look at your process for reducing the use of these medications? It could save a life!