People with dementia frequently exhibit responsive behaviors, which are often misinterpreted as aggression, resistance to care and challenging or disruptive behaviours. In such instances antipsychotic medicines are regularly prescribed. The benefit of these drugs is limited, however, and they can also cause serious harm including premature death. Their use should be limited to cases where non-pharmacologic measures have failed and where patients pose an imminent threat to themselves or others. Identifying and addressing the causes of behaviour change can render drug treatment unnecessary. If a nurse caring for a patient feels that medication is not the appropriate intervention, the nurse has a responsibility to discuss these concerns with the prescriber.

Conditions: Dementia, disruptive behaviour

Treatments: Antipsychotic medications

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