Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

In medication administration, what might a psychiatric technician monitor during a client's treatment with antidepressants?

1. Only side effects

2. Laboratory values

3. General health and mood changes

4. Dietary intake

The correct answer is: General health and mood changes

Monitoring general health and mood changes during a client's treatment with antidepressants is crucial for several reasons. Antidepressants can significantly alter a patient's emotional state and overall well-being, and observing these changes helps assess the effectiveness of the medication. Improvement in mood can indicate that the medication is working, while persistent depressive symptoms may suggest a need for dosage adjustments or a reevaluation of the treatment plan. Additionally, monitoring is not limited to the immediate effects; some mood changes may occur over time, and it is essential to track these fluctuations to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. This process can also provide valuable insights into side effects and any potential risks associated with the medication. By observing these aspects, psychiatric technicians can communicate crucial information to other healthcare providers, facilitating a more comprehensive approach to the client's treatment. While monitoring side effects, laboratory values, and dietary intake may also be important in certain contexts, focusing primarily on general health and mood changes directly correlates with the primary aim of antidepressant therapy, which is to improve the patient's mental health status.